Here's how to force hyacinths in soil and water so you can have hyacinth bulbs in bloom inside. Hyacinth bulbs need a chilling period of 12-14 weeks at 40-45° F. in order to flower properly. You can always chill a bulb longer than necessary, just not shorter because then they will fail to flower properly.
The crisper drawer of your refrigerator is the ideal place to pre-chill bulbs. Place your hyacinth bulbs into a brown paper bag labeled with the date. Then place the bag into the refrigerator crisper drawer. Avoid placing the bulbs in the same drawer as fruit such as apples and pears. Ripening fruit gives off ethylene gas, which can kill the flower inside the bulb. Allow the bulbs to chill in your refrigerator for a minimum of 12-14 weeks.
When the chilling time is complete, you can either plant the bulbs in a pot with soil or snuggle them into a container that’s been filled with pebbles and a little water. Note that hyacinth bulbs have a powdery coating that can cause skin irritation, so always wear gloves when handling them.
To grow hyacinths over water, place a thick bed of pebbles into a watertight container such as a large glass vase or antique buffet dish. Nestle the pre-chilled bulbs into the pebbles, leaving the majority of the bulb exposed. Positioning the bulbs about an inch apart will give you a nice, full look. Fill the vessel with water until it is just below the base of the bulb.
To grow hyacinths in soil, choose a strong container with a drainage hole and fill it halfway with pre-moistened growing mix. Plant the hyacinth bulbs closely together with the pointy side of the bulb facing up. Cover with more soil, until the tips of the bulbs are about an inch below the soil surface.
After planting, place your pre-chilled hyacinth bulbs into a cool, dark environment (50 degrees F) for one-two weeks. An unheated basement or cool kitchen cabinet are both good options. This two- week rest period encourages the bulbs to produce roots rather than shoots. This is ideal. Strong root will help the flowers stay upright once they come into bloom.
Next, bring the bulbs out of darkness and place them in an area with indirect light and temperatures of approximately 60-68°F. Rotate the containers periodically to keep the flowering spikes straight. Water as needed to keep the soil lightly moist, or to keep the water level just below the base of the bulbs.
It usually takes about a month for pre-chilled hyacinth bulbs to come into bloom. Keeping the pots or vases in a relatively cool location out of direct sunlight will extend the bloom time.
25 янв 2023
