Hyacinths are among the first to bloom in the spring garden. These bulbous plants are quite common, boasting a wide range of flower color shades and looking stunning in group plantings. However, achieving abundant blooms, dividing the bulbs, and successfully overwintering them isn't always possible. To avoid disappointment with these beautiful, incredibly fragrant flowers, follow a few simple rules, which experienced gardeners already know.
By the way, if you are passionate about lilies, we recommend reading About planting and caring for lilies in open ground.
Hyacinths - planting and care in open ground on plots
Choosing the best place to plant flowers
Hyacinths are considered relatively easy to grow. However, don't neglect the soil selection. It shouldn't be overly acidic; neutral pH is best. The planting bed should be well-lit and protected from drafts. Avoid growing hyacinths near shrubs, trees, and perennial garden flowers that don't require annual uprooting. This can make it difficult to remove the bulbs from the ground for the summer, and it can also affect their growth and division.
Preparing the soil for growing hyacinths
Ornamental plants require sufficient nutrients to thrive, and hyacinths are no exception. Before planting, the open bed should be thoroughly tilled and fertilized. Typically, the soil for these bulbous plants is prepared in 2-3 stages. Several times during the summer, the soil is loosened and organic fertilizers are added. Immediately before planting, a complex mineral fertilizer should be applied. Hyacinths are planted in the ground around the beginning of October. It's best to consider the air temperature, which should not exceed 10°C. The bulbs should be planted at least 15 centimeters deep, and the recommended distance between plants is at least 10 centimeters. It's worth noting that hyacinths are extremely moisture-loving. If the fall is dry, be sure to water the bed generously to ensure timely and proper rooting of the bulbs. Once temperatures consistently drop below freezing, it's recommended to cover the hyacinth bed with spruce branches. In the spring, after the snow melts, the branches should be removed to avoid rotting of the bulbs and damage to the young shoots of the flower.
Fertilizing and care during the period of active growth and flowering of hyacinths
After the first shoots appear, carefully loosen the soil around the plants and apply urea as a fertilizer at a rate of one tablespoon per bulb. After buds form, a second round of feeding is necessary. Potassium sulfate, superphosphate, urea, and Agricola are best for this purpose. Prepare the solution according to the recommended dosages on the fertilizer manufacturer's packaging. The approximate consumption of the resulting solution should be 5-6 liters per square meter. It's important to remember that hyacinths require moisture for full development and long-lasting flowering. Therefore, be sure to loosen the soil around the plants and water the bed generously. After flowering has finished, remove all flower stalks. This will ensure full ripening of the bulbs and save energy for division. After all the foliage has faded, dig up the hyacinths, clear the soil, and place them in a dark, ventilated area to dry.
Caring for Hyacinth Bulbs
Carefully inspect the bulbs after removing them from the soil. Avoid storing them in excessively humid areas, high temperatures, or direct sunlight. The main problems with bulbs are various fungal and infectious diseases, which can occur as a result of improper cultivation and storage. If mold or rot is detected on the bulbs, they should be treated with Fitosporin and Fundazol. Repeat the treatment until all signs of damage disappear.
We recommend reading in more detail. about digging up and storing hyacinth bulbs after flowering.
Since fungal and infectious diseases are primarily active in the soil, the flowerbed should also be treated with the same solutions. It's best to relocate the hyacinths if such problems arise. To prevent disease, remember to water only the bulb, avoiding moisture on the shoots. This is especially important when the plant is in bloom.
Now that you know the rules for planting and caring for hyacinths in open ground, you're sure to grow these flowers, which will become a highlight of your garden.
About digging up and storing hyacinth bulbs after flowering
Planting and caring for hyacinth in open ground
Natalie
My first attempt at growing hyacinths was a failure. I relied on the plant's low maintenance and ended up ruining all the bulbs. On my second attempt, I corrected all my mistakes and achieved a successful result. My mistakes were as follows: I dug up the bulbs for the winter and stored them in the basement instead of overwintering them in the ground. After planting them in the ground, I only got green leaves—no blooms. My hyacinths also didn't like sandy soil; they grew and bloomed more vigorously in black soil. In fact, if you think about it, there's nothing complicated—a little attention and time, and a bed of hyacinths will delight your eyes with its rich, vibrant blooms for a long time. Good luck, gardeners!