Hyacinths

[MrsLadyBug]

For several years in a row I have been given Hyacinth bulbs to be planted in pretty pots to flower. I have enjoyed seeing results but have been wondering whats the right way to care for them to get a second year out of them? I haven't been able to succeed so far. Do I dry them or leave them in the pots?

[Chipchopper]

The Hyacinths sold in pot have been carefully grown in nurseries under controlled conditions to co-inside with certain times of the year.

If you have a garden you could give then a try out side, what have you got to lose!.

Firstly allow the blooms to wither and the leaves to go brown and shrivel, then plant outside in a semi shaded corner of the garden. Dig the hole approx 6 inches deep with approx 4 inches of soil covering the top, wait to see what comes up next year

I was lucky enough to have one flowering year after year. It didn't look quite as neat as those you buy, but hey, it cost nothing!
Good Luck
Chip

[woofgang]

Going to disagree with chipperchopper. Hyacinths aren't really indoor plants they much prefer cooler temperatures. Once the flower has started to fade, either stand it outside in a sheltered position or plant it out in the garden. If you leave it in the pot, keep it moist and a little dilute plant food wouldn't go amiss. Plant it in the garden or in a tub of earth as soon as you can, as chipperchopper says in semi shade. It will grow on for some time then die down in summer or early autumn and come back up in the spring.