Basically, you don't have to cut hyacinths at all. The robust onion plants even suffer from incorrect pruning and then stop blooming. When you can cut hyacinths or when it is better not to do so.
When and how should hyacinths be cut?
Hyacinths should not be cut except to remove spent inflorescences, yellowed leaves or cut flowers for the vase. The green leaves are important for providing the bulbs with energy for the next year. Cut off spent flower heads near the base.
What can be cut on the hyacinth
- Withered inflorescences
- Yellow colored leaves
- Cut flowers for the vase
Cut the green leaves of the plant only in extreme emergencies, for example if the leaves are diseased or heavily infested with pests.
The underground tuber recharges its strength for the next year thanks to the green leaves. If the leaves are cut, the bulb will sprout poorly the next year and will produce few, if any, flowers.
You may cut off spent inflorescences as far down as possible.
Cutting hyacinths in the garden or pot
After flowering, remove all spent inflorescences both in the garden and in the pot.
The green leaves remain until they turn yellow and wilt. When caring for the garden, simply leave the leaves on the plant. It retracts itself and can no longer be seen later.
After flowering, simply place hyacinths in a pot in a dry corner where the plant gets as little moisture as possible. Here, too, you should not cut the leaves, but wait until they grow in on their own.
Hyacinths as cut flowers
Hyacinths are very popular as cut flowers for spring bouquets. How to cut hyacinths for the vase:
The stems are cut as low as possible with a knife. Before placing the flower in the vase, cut the bottom end of the stem straight off so that the flower can be supplied with water. Don't forget gloves!
The flower water must be completely fresh and changed frequently. Keep the vase cool so the hyacinths will last longer.
Tips & Tricks
If you do not cut the spent flowers of hyacinths in the garden, seeds will form. Ripe seeds spread themselves throughout the garden. Nothing more is necessary to increase the fragrant spring bloomers in the garden.
