Hyacinths are a popular spring-blooming bulb known for their brightly colored fragrant flowers. After hyacinths have finished flowering, you have a choice – either leave the bulb in the ground or carefully dig it up for storage. Properly storing hyacinth bulbs after blooming allows you to replant them in future seasons so you can enjoy their beauty year after year.
When to Dig Up Hyacinth Bulbs
Timing is important when digging up hyacinth bulbs for storage. You’ll want to allow the foliage to die back completely before removing the bulb from the soil This enables the bulb to absorb nutrients from the leaves and build up energy stores for next year’s bloom
Here’s a quick overview of when to dig up hyacinth bulbs:
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Allow flowers to fade completely.
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Leave foliage in place for 6-8 weeks after blooming so it can naturally yellow and die back.
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Once all foliage is fully browned and dried up, cut it off at the base of the bulb.
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Allow the soil to dry out completely before carefully digging up bulbs.
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Ideal time is mid to late summer, after foliage has died but before new roots emerge.
How to Prepare Bulbs for Storage
Follow these steps to properly prepare hyacinth bulbs for storage after digging them up:
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Gently wash any remaining dirt or debris from bulbs using a hose or scrub brush. Take care not to damage the bulb scales.
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Allow bulbs to dry out completely before storage to prevent rotting. Lay in a single layer on newspaper in a well-ventilated area out of direct sun.
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Carefully inspect each bulb and discard any that show signs of mold, damage or disease. Healthy bulbs will be firm and intact.
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Remove any dried roots or husks from the bottom of the bulb using a knife or pruners.
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Place cleaned, dried bulbs loosely in paper or mesh bags. Label bags for easy identification.
Ideal Storage Conditions
To keep bulbs in top condition, aim for storage conditions as close as possible to:
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Cool temperatures between 45°F to 60°F. Avoid freezing or high heat.
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Low humidity to prevent mold or rotting. Dampness will quickly damage bulbs.
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Good air circulation to prevent condensation and allow ventilation.
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Complete darkness as light will confuse bulbs and may cause premature sprouting.
Where to Store Hyacinth Bulbs
Recommended storage locations:
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Unheated basement, cellar or garage
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Back of refrigerated crisper drawer
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Ventilated closet or cabinet away from heat sources
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Uninsulated porch or shed
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Covered outdoor sandbox or bin buried below frost line
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Anywhere cool, dry, and dark with plenty of air movement
Avoid warm spots like a heated basement or areas that get direct sun. High heat causes bulbs to sprout too early.
How to Store Hyacinth Bulbs
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Place bulbs in open trays, mesh bags or paper bags (avoid plastic which traps moisture).
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Space bulbs apart for air flow; do not pack tightly together.
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For large quantities, layer bulbs in vented crates with space between layers.
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Store different hyacinth varieties separately and label bags/containers.
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Check bulbs every 2-3 weeks and remove any that show signs of rot or mold.
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Ideal storage time is a minimum of 6-8 weeks. Bulbs can remain in storage up to 5 months.
When to Plant Stored Bulbs
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Fall – Ideal for planting stored bulbs outdoors in the garden. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant bulbs at a depth 2-3 times their height.
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Early Winter – Best time to plant stored bulbs for indoor forcing in pots or containers. Place in a cool, dark place for 8-12 weeks, then bring indoors for blooming.
With proper post-bloom care, hyacinth bulbs can be stored after flowering and replanted again and again for seasons of beauty. Follow these guidelines for preparing, storing and planting hyacinth bulbs.
Some key takeaways:
- Allow foliage to die back completely before removing bulbs from soil
- Gently clean bulbs and remove any roots or debris
- Dry bulbs thoroughly before storage to prevent rotting
- Choose a cool, dry, dark location for storing bulbs
- Check bulbs periodically and remove any that are moldy
- Store bulbs for a minimum of 6-8 weeks before replanting
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you store hyacinth bulbs?
Hyacinth bulbs can be stored for 5-6 months if kept in ideal conditions. Longer storage causes bulbs to dry out and lose viability.
Can you store hyacinth bulbs in the fridge?
Yes, the refrigerator is an ideal place to store hyacinth bulbs if you keep them in open containers like mesh bags. Avoid plastic bags. Ideal fridge temperature is 45-50°F.
Do hyacinth bulbs need light during storage?
No, complete darkness is recommended during storage to prevent premature sprouting. Any light exposure may confuse the bulbs.
Where is the best place to store hyacinth bulbs?
A basement, unheated garage, cellar or any cool area with low humidity and good air circulation. Indoors, use a ventilated closet or cabinet away from heat appliances.
Can you store hyacinth bulbs in plastic bags?
Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can lead to mold or rotting. Use paper or mesh bags for breathability. If using plastic, leave bags partially open.
How do you keep hyacinth bulbs dormant?
Store bulbs in darkness at the proper temperature (45-60°F). Ventilation, low humidity and limited storage time also help maintain dormancy. Avoid warm temperatures that risk premature sprouting.
Can you reuse hyacinth bulbs after flowering?
Yes, with proper post-bloom care hyacinth bulbs can be replanted after storage and will bloom again the following season. Take care not to damage bulbs when digging up and replanting.
When to Dig Up Hyacinth Bulbs for Storing
It’s important not to dig up your hyacinth bulbs at the wrong time, or else your bulbs may not have enough energy to sprout. Once the blooms have passed, cut off the blossom stalk to keep the plant from wasting energy on seed production. Keep the leaves and continue to water them as usual– the leaves are essential for storing up energy in the bulb. When the leaves start to brown, reduce your watering by half. Only when the leaves have died completely should you stop watering. 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.
How to Cure Hyacinth Bulbs
If your hyacinths are growing outdoors, there’s no real reason to dig them up and cure them– they’ll come back naturally in the spring. However, if you want to move them to a new spot, there’s no reason you can’t. While your hyacinths are still above ground, mark their exact spot with a stake– once they die back, it will be very hard to find the bulbs. In autumn, carefully dig up the bulbs and lay them out on newspaper, then store them in a mesh bag. The process of curing hyacinths is just the same as with forced bulbs. They’re now ready to plant or force as you choose.