How to Propagate New Hyacinth Bulbs
Every spring, the swaying blue-purple flower spikes of hyacinths always become the brightest scenery on the balcony. To enjoy this beauty year after year, mastering the technique of bulb propagation is key. This article will systematically explain three home-operable propagation methods from a practical operation perspective.
Complete Operation Process of Bulb Division
Selection and Separation Techniques of Bulbs
After the flowering period ends in June each year, the base of the mother bulb will naturally split into 1-2 daughter bulbs. Select healthy daughter bulbs with a diameter of 3cm or more, and gently cut a cross pattern on the bulb's longitudinal section with a gardening knife that has been disinfected with alcohol, to a depth of about 1/3 of the scale height. After spraying the cut area with carbendazim solution, let it air-dry for 48 hours in a well-ventilated place, and it can be planted after a protective film forms on the cut.
Substrate Ratio and Temperature Control Points
It is recommended to use a mixed substrate of peat soil: perlite: vermiculite in a ratio of 5:3:2, with a pH value controlled between 6.0-6.5. The planting container must have good drainage holes, with a 2cm layer of ceramsite at the bottom as a water drainage layer. Maintain the environmental temperature within the range of 18-22°C, and it can be kept outdoors in spring and autumn, while it needs to be moved to an indoor windowsill in winter.
Advanced Operation of Seed Sowing Propagation
Seed Selection and Germination Treatment
Select plump seeds with a diameter larger than 0.5cm, soak them in 40°C warm water for 12 hours, and then place them in moist sphagnum moss for low-temperature stratification for 30 days. When the seed coat splits to reveal a white spot, it is time for sowing. The recommended sowing depth is twice the diameter of the seed, using a dot sowing method with a 3cm spacing.
Golden Rules for Seedling Management
After the seedlings emerge, set up a 50% shade net, keeping the substrate slightly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a diluted leafy plant nutrient solution (1:2000) every two weeks, and transplant after the seedlings have grown 3 true leaves. Pay special attention to prevent Fusarium wilt, and regularly spray with mancozeb solution.
Innovative Practice of Scale Cutting Propagation
Select healthy scales and剥离 them completely from the base, then soak in indole butyric acid solution for 10 minutes. Insert them diagonally into a sterilized coarse sand substrate, maintaining a constant temperature of 25°C and 80% air humidity. After about 6-8 weeks, red callus tissue will form at the cut area and new bulbs will sprout, at which point they can be moved to nutrient soil for further cultivation.
The three propagation methods each have their own characteristics: the bulb division method shows results in the same year, sowing can obtain new varieties with genetic variation, and cutting is suitable for mass production. It is recommended that enthusiasts choose the appropriate method based on their care conditions, regularly observe the bulb status, and adjust water and fertilizer management in a timely manner, to ensure that hyacinths bloom beautifully year after year.