New Life for Forced Hyacinths?

[MeggsyGardenGirl]

I forced a bag of mixed hyacinths this winter - what a happy bunch of fragrant flowers that was! I've read that once you force them, especially in water, the bulbs are spent and won't do well if potted on and kept for planting outside in the fall. I'd like to know if this is true or not and what experience anyone has had. I've had luck with other forced bulbs such as paperwhites and other narcissus, but never tried hyacinth. Of course, I'm asking this AFTER I've potted them up. but nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[catjac1975]

I would just stick them in a bed even now if your soil is workable. What have you got to lose?

 

[Nyboy]

Will be watching this thread , I read the same and always throw them out.

 

[catjac1975]

Unless they are dried up and dead I think they will grow. They may take a few years for the bulb to rejuvenate. They could not be forced again indoors as the bulb is weakened.

 

[lesa]

One year my daughter brought me the most beautiful white tulips for Easter. Not knowing any better- I planted them outside after they bloomed. I was happy to have white tulips for several springs afterward. Only after I had planted them, did I read that they wouldn't bloom again. Sorry, Martha Stewart- you were wrong!! I say, "what is the harm in trying?"

 

[canesisters]

I've got last year's easter lilies sprouting behind my Iris' and 2 hydranias (sp???) next to the front steps that I was told would never grow outside because they were meant to be potted flowers.
Good for you for giving them a chance and Best wishes for your hyacinths!

 

[vfem]

I've done this with easter lilies and daffodils as well. I just put them into the ground after the blooms are spent. So far, everything has come back just fine.

Did it with tulips my mom had in pots from Easter as well a couple years ago. They still come up for me, in fact they have buds coming up now. So excited!!!

 

[catjac1975]

I think success has to do with your zone. Easter lilies are not hardy in cold climates. Azaleas that are sold in pot as a table plant would more than likely also not be hardy. I would still always give it a chance rather than throw it in the compost pile.

 

[Nyboy]

After Easter I always find Easter lilies being thrown out. In my zone 5 they come back every year.