Hyacinths, adored by flower enthusiasts for their vibrant hues and rich fragrance, add a burst of colour to gardens and homes every spring.

Despite their initial appeal, many people discard hyacinths once the flowers wither, believing they cannot bloom again.

This misconception leads to unnecessary waste and overlooks the fact that hyacinth bulbs can indeed rebloom and thrive for several years with proper care. To ensure your hyacinths return with their stunning blossoms year after year, follow these simple steps:

1. Prune the Fading Flowers

As the flowers begin to wither, their ornamental value diminishes. At this stage, it's crucial to cut off the flower stems promptly. This prevents the plant from expending too much energy on maintaining the spent flowers, redirecting nutrients back to the bulb for future growth.

2. Transition to Soil for Bulb Growth

Many gardeners prefer growing hyacinths hydroponically, often neglecting to add nutrient solutions to the water. This practice depletes the nutrients stored in the bulbs, leading to significant nutrient loss by the time the flowers bloom. After pruning the flower stems, consider transitioning from hydroponics to soil cultivation or enhancing the hydroponic setup with a nutrient solution.

When cultivating hyacinths in soil, topdress with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers post-flowering. Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil will also support bulb growth. Proper bulb cultivation is essential for successful reblooming.

3. Collect and Store Bulbs

In the summer, when hyacinths enter their dormant period, cut off all dead leaves and carefully dig out the bulbs. Dry them in a cool place for 1-2 days. Once dried, wrap the bulbs in newspaper, place them in a jar, and store them in the refrigerator’s fresh-keeping layer.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to dig out the bulbs, simply cut off the withered parts above the soil. Keep the pot in a cool, ventilated area, and water sparingly along the pot's edge to maintain slight soil moisture. This approach allows the bulbs to absorb nutrients from the soil as they prepare to wake up.

4. Replanting for New Growth

As temperatures cool in November, retrieve the refrigerated bulbs and replant them, either in soil or hydroponically. For those who leave the bulbs in the ground, remove some soil from around the bulb tops in late autumn and gradually increase watering. When the bulbs start to sprout, resume regular maintenance.

With consistent care, hyacinths can bloom beautifully for up to three years. It's common for the plants to appear shorter in their second year compared to the first.

While cultivating the bulbs slows down their degradation, climatic differences and limited growth periods mean that bulb degradation is inevitable over time. Thus, perfectionists may opt to purchase new hyacinth bulbs annually to ensure optimal blooms.

The belief that hyacinths cannot bloom again after their initial flowering is a myth. With the right care and maintenance, these beautiful plants can continue to adorn gardens and homes with their stunning blooms for several years. By pruning faded flowers, transitioning to soil cultivation, storing bulbs properly, and replanting them, gardeners can enjoy the vibrant beauty and fragrance of hyacinths year after year.