Buds won’t open? Stems stretching? Horticulturist's tips for amaryllis and hyacinth watering
Well-timed amaryllis and hyacinth watering noticeably extends their bloom time and helps the flowers develop to their full glory, writes horticulturist Outi Tynys.
Initially, hyacinths and amaryllis use the energy and moisture stored in the bulb to push up their flower stalks. Later they do need watering: if they dry out, buds may fail to open and the bloom period won’t last as long. Stems can also stay so short that the flowers don’t open to their full glory.
A couple of times a week is usually a good watering schedule for bulb plants. Too much water, too little light, and warm temperatures can make flower stalks grow long and spindly. If the stalks shoot up, cut them for a vase while the flowers are still slightly in bud.
Save the roots of hyacinths and amaryllis in arrangements whenever possible. If you wrap the root balls in moss, remove a little soil and gently round the root ball.
At least in Finland, collecting moss requires the landowner’s permission. Cones, twigs, and evergreen sprigs can be collected from the land without permission.
A hyacinth vase or any other narrow-neck vase is also perfect for a hyacinth bought while still in bud. Rinse the roots free of soil before setting it in water.
