What to Do After the Hyacinth Flowers
As one of the most popular hydroponic flowers in spring, hyacinths have captivated numerous flower enthusiasts with their fragrant aroma and vibrant colors. However, many people discard them after the flowers fade, unaware that proper care can revitalize the bulbs and achieve multi-year reblooming. Mastering the correct post-flowering treatment methods not only allows the plants to accumulate energy but also obtain new life through seed saving.
Complete Process Analysis of Post-Flowering Hyacinth Treatment
Pruning and Bulb Care Key Stage
Hydroponic plants need to cut the flower stems and retain the full leaves, while soil-grown plants can directly cut off the flower branches. Retain at least 4 healthy leaves for photosynthesis, which is the energy source for bulb rejuvenation. Use a sanitized scissor to make an oblique cut 2 cm from the base and apply carbendazim to the cut to prevent infection.
Scientific Care to Promote Nutrient Regression
Move the plant to a scattered light environment for 3 days to acclimate, then gradually increase direct sunlight to 6 hours per day. Use the immersion method to water, maintaining a substrate moisture level of 40%-60%. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted 1200 times) every 15 days, combined with foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution (0.2% concentration).
Bulb Harvesting and Dormancy Management
When 80% of the leaves naturally turn yellow, harvest on a clear morning. Shake off the soil and cut off the roots, then soak in a 500 times solution of carbendazim for 20 minutes to disinfect. Dry in a cool and ventilated place for 3 days, then wrap in absorbent paper and store in a 5-10°C environment, maintaining an ambient humidity of 30%-40%.
Advanced Techniques for Hyacinth Seed Saving and Propagation
Natural Seed Saving Method
Retain healthy flower spikes and let them wither naturally. Harvest when the capsules turn yellow-brown. Use a peat:perlite mixture (3:1) as the sowing substrate, with a soil cover twice the diameter of the seeds. Maintain an 18-22°C environment, with germination occurring in about 25 days. Continuous bulb care is needed for the first 3 years.
Bulb Division Propagation Technique
Select healthy mother bulbs with a circumference >18cm, sanitize the knife with alcohol, and make a longitudinal cut, ensuring each segment has 2-3 bulb scales. Apply sulfur powder to the cut and let it dry in the shade. Planting in autumn can yield multiple daughter bulbs. This method can shorten the flowering cycle to 3-4 years.
Through systematic post-flowering care, hyacinth bulbs can continue to rejuvenate for 3-5 years. Mastering seed-saving techniques can not only reduce purchasing costs but also provide the joy of experiencing life propagation. It is recommended to keep a maintenance log, recording key data such as bulb circumference and storage temperature and humidity, gradually forming a personalized cultivation system.