The perennial hyacinths can live up to 15 years. The fact that they are usually only cared for in the house for one season is due to the fact that overwintering is not that easy. Outdoors, it is uncomplicated to keep the spring bloomer perennial.

Hyacinths are perennial

Keep hyacinths outdoors for several years

In the field, the hyacinth survives even severe frost. In order for the onion to develop flowers for many years, the location and care must be right:

  • Light or at least partially shaded
  • Loose soil without waterlogging
  • Humid during flowering, preferring dry later
  • Protection against voles
  • Stop watering from May
  • Do not cut green leaves

Voles can become a problem. They like the onions and eat up large quantities, so that not a single hyacinth is left over. Plant the hyacinth bulbs in wire baskets to prevent feeding damage.

Encourage hyacinths to bloom again indoors

Hyacinths only form flowers if the bulb or hyacinth in the pot has previously gone through a longer period of cold.

If you want to keep particularly beautiful hyacinths for several years, you must ensure a rest period after flowering. During this time the plant is not watered or fertilized.

After the resting phase, the hyacinth needs a cold phase of at least eight weeks, during which it is kept at temperatures of zero to eight degrees and in the dark. In technical jargon, this process is called "stratification".

Stratify hyacinths

To stratify the hyacinth in the pot, put it in a dark and very cool place. This can be a cool basement or a dry place on the patio under a paper bag.

If neither is available, the hyacinth simply goes into the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator.

The cold phase ends when the hyacinth begins to sprout. Then pot them in fresh soil and place the pot in a bright place with a temperature of around 15 degrees.

tips and tricks

When the hyacinth bulb is several years old, it produces fewer flowers and becomes less compact. It then resembles more and more the original form. Separate bulbs to propagate hyacinth and replace old plants.

Category:

Vegetable garden