Hyacinths bloom beautifully in late winter and early spring, filling your home with cheerful colors and a lovely fragrance. But did you know you can save the bulbs and get them to bloom again next year? With proper storage, hyacinth bulbs can be recycled and reused. Follow this guide to learn the ideal way to store hyacinth bulbs after blooming.
Why Store Hyacinth Bulbs?
Storing bulbs allows you to:
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Get multiple years of blooms from each bulb
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Save money by not having to buy new bulbs every year
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Maintain favorite heirloom varieties
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Build your bulb collection over time
When to Store Bulbs After Blooming
Here is the optimal timing
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Let foliage die back completely, usually 6-8 weeks after blooming.
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Once all foliage is brown, cut it off at the base of the bulb.
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Clean off any soil and roots from the bulb.
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Store bulbs in a cool, dry place for 6-8 weeks.
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In summer, plant bulbs outdoors if desired.
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In fall, plant bulbs indoors for forcing.
How to Prepare Bulbs for Storage
Follow these steps when preparing bulbs for storage:
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Cut off all foliage once it has fully browned after blooming.
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Gently wash remaining husk and any soil from bulbs.
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Allow bulbs to dry completely before storage. Any moisture invites rot.
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Discard any bulbs that are diseased, moldy or damaged.
Ideal Storage Conditions
Hyacinth bulbs require:
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Cool temperatures around 45-60°F. Avoid freezing or high heat.
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High air circulation and ventilation. Lack of air promotes mold.
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Complete darkness. Light can confuse bulbs into premature growth.
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Very low humidity. Dampness rots bulbs.
Where to Store Hyacinth Bulbs
Good storage locations include:
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Basement or root cellar
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Unheated garage, shed, or porch
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Back of a refrigerated crisper drawer
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Insulated closet separated from warmth-producing appliances
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Anywhere cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated
How to Store Hyacinth Bulbs
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Pack bulbs loosely in mesh bags, paper bags, or open trays. Avoid plastic bags.
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Space bulbs apart for air circulation. Do not pack tightly together.
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For large quantities, layer bulbs in vented crates with spacing between layers.
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Label varieties for easy identification later.
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Check periodically for mold or rotting. Discard bad bulbs promptly.
Proper post-bloom care ensures your hyacinth bulbs recharge and emerge even more glorious next season. With ideal storage conditions and preparation, you can enjoy hyacinth blooms for years to come.
How long can you store hyacinth bulbs?
After receiving your order, you can store the hyacinth bulbs for a period of 4 months. The planting period for spring bloomers runs from September to December. If youre going to store your hyacinth bulbs, dont postpone it until the last moment. Your bulbs need to be well rooted before the first frost sets in and winter begins. Otherwise, theres a high chance of failure. Learn even more from farmer Lucas. Dive into his next instructions quickly: planting hyacinth bulbs.
Hooray! Youve reached the end of this article. Welcome to your new life of learning to grow like a farmer. In this article, you learned from farmer Lucas how to store hyacinth bulbs. Want to learn more about how to grow the most beautiful flowers in the world? Go to step two and plant hyacinth bulbs, or read the other articles at the bottom of the page. Enjoy gardening!.
What materials are suitable for storing hyacinth bulbs?
Keeping hyacinth bulbs fresh in a bag with holes in it from The Bulb Farmers: If you bought hyacinths from The Bulb Farmers, you can keep them in the bag they came in. The holes in the bag allow them to breathe.
Storing hyacinth bulbs in newspaper You can also store hyacinth bulbs in newspaper or in an egg carton. Other materials are also acceptable as long as they keep the bulbs dry and allow air circulation.
Getting Hyacinth Bulbs Ready For Storage
Where should Hyacinth Bulbs be stored?
A cool, dry basement or garage is often a suitable storage location for hyacinth bulbs. It is important to avoid storing them near fruits or vegetables, as these can release ethylene gas, which can damage the bulbs. Reusing hyacinth bulbs is a cost-effective way to enjoy their beauty year after year.
How do you keep hyacinths from dying?
When the soil has dried out, carefully dig up the bulb and remove the dead foliage. Curing hyacinths is very easy. Lay the bulbs out on a newspaper in a cool, dark place for three days. After that, store them in a cool, dark location in a mesh bag. They’re now ready to be planted in your garden in the autumn or forced indoors in late winter.
Do Hyacinth Bulbs need to be refrigerated?
Yes, you can store hyacinth bulbs in the refrigerator, but make sure to keep them in a paper bag or a mesh bag to allow for air circulation. Avoid storing them near fruits and vegetables, as the ethylene gas they produce can cause the bulbs to rot. Q What is the best way to store hyacinth bulbs after flowering?
How long do Hyacinth Bulbs last?
You can store hyacinth bulbs for several months if you follow the proper storage guidelines. It’s important to keep them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation to prevent them from rotting or drying out. Q Can I store hyacinth bulbs in a plastic bag?
