Replanting Forced Hyacinth Bulbs in Spring: A Guide to Success
Having a burst of spring color indoors with forced hyacinth bulbs is a delightful experience. But what should you do with them after the blooming season? Can you replant them outside? Yes, you can, and with the right steps, they will thrive in your garden. In this article, we will guide you through the process of replanting your forced hyacinth bulbs in the spring and provide tips for their proper care.
Timing for Replanting
The first step in successfully replanting your hyacinth bulbs is timing. It is crucial to wait until the danger of frost has passed in your area. This ensures that the bulbs have the best chance to establish themselves and thrive in their outdoor environment.
Preparation of the Bulb
After the flowering period indoors, allow the bulb's foliage to remain until it turns yellow and dies back naturally. This process is important as it helps the bulb store energy for the next year's growth. During this phase, continue to water the foliage to keep it green and growing, which will contribute to the bulb's energy storage through photosynthesis.
Transplanting the Bulb
When it's time to transplant, carefully remove the bulb from its pot, being cautious not to damage the roots. Prepare a well-draining location in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Hyacinths thrive in rich, well-drained soil. Plant the bulb at a depth of about 6-8 inches, with the pointed end facing upwards, and space multiple bulbs about 4-6 inches apart.
Watering and Care
After planting, water the area well to ensure proper hydration. Keep the soil moist but not soggy as the bulb establishes itself. In the following spring, you can care for the bulbs as you would for any other spring-flowering bulb. They will likely bloom again, although not as vividly as the first year. However, replanting the bulbs is still a rewarding activity that provides a bit of spring color and does not warrant disposal.
Additional Tips for Replanting and Caring for Forced Hyacinth Bulbs
If you live in the far north, wait until hard freezes have passed before planting the bulb outdoors. Find a spot that benefits from a "warmer" microclimate, such as near a south-facing brick wall or on a south-facing slope. For now, if the plant has finished flowering, cut off flower stems to prevent seed formation and channel energy into the bulb for its next cycle of bloom.
To help the bulb store as much energy as possible through photosynthesis, keep it in direct sunlight with a cool temperature (50-60 degrees Fahrenheit) and keep the soil damp but not wet. If the bulb refuses to grow, maintain it with a small amount of water to keep the bulb slightly damp and cool (40-50 degrees Fahrenheit).
Once you put the pot back into the sun, the plant may surprise you with another flower. A large hyacinth bulb often has three flower buds already formed inside and is waiting for cool temperatures to initiate root development. After 6-8 weeks of growing, cool roots, and adequate moisture, the plant will respond to sun and warmer temperatures by growing. When buying bulbs to force, choose the largest, freshest ones you can find.
Since you'll have the plant indoors for a few more months, give it some half-strength fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth. Keep the leaves green and growing as the leaves contribute to the bulb's energy through photosynthesis. If no leaves grow, don't fertilize and water sparingly. When the leaves begin to turn yellow, withhold further fertilization and water, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again.
Conclusion
By following these steps, your forced hyacinth bulbs should successfully transition to outdoor planting and continue to thrive in your garden. Remember, the quality of the blooming may not be as bright as the first year, but replanting them is certainly worth it for the spring color they provide. Happy gardening!