You should always propagate hyacinths via bulbs. The small bulbs grow on the main bulb and can be separated in autumn. However, they need cold treatment (stratification) so that they sprout the next year.

Hyacinths are best propagated via corms

Propagation by onions

The bulbs of the hyacinth form many small offshoots in the pot and flower bed. How to win the small tubers for propagation:

  • Dig up hyacinth bulbs
  • Clean
  • Carefully remove the bulbous tubers
  • Store cold
  • Don't let it dry out completely
  • Plant out in a pot or garden in spring

Outdoors, simply let the bulbs overwinter in the ground. They multiply all by themselves.

Handle onions with care

When you separate the brood bulb from the main bulb, be careful to damage the main bulb as little as possible. Otherwise there is a risk that onion rot will occur. In this case, all you can do is throw the onion away.

Hyacinth bulbs do not sprout without a longer cold phase. This is not a problem in the garden, since the temperatures usually drop sufficiently in winter. In the house you have to simulate the cold phase. Store the onions very cool. You can also do this in the fridge if necessary.

Propagating hyacinths by seeds

In principle, it is of course possible to grow hyacinths yourself from seeds. However, sowing rarely works indoors. The seed must not dry out and not be stored, but must be sown immediately. The seeds will not sprout without cold treatment.

It takes at least two years for hyacinths from seeds to flower for the first time. For this reason, propagation via the tubers makes more sense.

Sow hyacinths in the garden

Hyacinths growing in the garden will self-seed if you do not cut the inflorescences, but let the seed mature.

The germinable seeds spread by themselves. You can also try to carefully cut off the inflorescences with the seeds and shake them out over the desired location.

tips and tricks

Since hyacinth bulbs contain saponins and sharp-edged salts of oxalic acid, direct contact with them can damage the skin. The pros call it hyacinth scabies. Therefore, always wear gloves when you touch the bulbs or cut off the bulbous bulbs.

Category:

Vegetable garden