Hydroponic Hyacinths | FAQ

This product is currently only available through supermarkets / retailers only.

Below you will find a list of commonly asked questions and answers about Hydroponic Hyacinths

+ Care

Hyacinths will thrive in a bright location, but do best kept away from direct sunlight and heat.

The roots should be in the water. Do not submerge the bulbs. Simply keep water level to the bottom of the bulbs.

+ Aftercare: What should I do after flowering?

Bloomaker does not guarantee that getting your Hyacinths to bloom for another year is going to work. We do however appreciate your enthusiasm if you do want to try to get the bulbs to bloom for another year, therefore we are happy to provide you with all the information you need on the matter.

After the flowers have wilted, allow the foliage to turn yellow and wither. Let the foliage dry completely while maintaining water level. The leaves will continue to gather sunlight and store energy for next year’s blooms. When you take out the bulbs from the vase, leave the roots, they will dry off on their own. Cutting them while they are alive is traumatic for the bulbs.

Once the foliage has turned yellow and wither, you may remove it by gently pulling it out. If the leaves do not easily pull away from the bulb, they are not ready to be removed.

Plant them in the garden at the moment the foliage is dying back. We do advise you to wear gloves when handling Hyacinth bulbs as they can irritate your skin.

Hyacinths are best when used for naturalizing an area, to achieve this look you can map out an area you would like them to grow in and dig it out to about 2-3” deep. Then scatter the bulbs about for a natural look.

It can be somewhat difficult to determine which end of a hyacinth bulb is “up”. If you are unsure, plant with the flattest side down, the bulb will be smart enough to turn towards the sun, but may take a few extra days to reach the surface.

These bulbs are durable and will grow in most locations but prefer cool moist soil, but grow best when planted in partial sun, but are tolerant of full sun.

Thoroughly soak the area with water once all the bulbs are planted. Like many other bulbs it prefers well drained soil and do not like having wet feet so water only if the soil is dry at a depth of about 3 inches. If it is dry at that depth, it is time to water at soil level.

+ Where can I find my planting zone?

Find your planting zone here: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

+ I live in a warm climate. What should I do?

If you are located in an area which does not get cool enough winters (zones 8b and further south, see link below to find your plant hardiness zone) or would like Hyacinths blooming indoors late winter follow these instructions. The bulbs will need to be in the following environment for 10-16 weeks:

You will need an artificially cool environment such as a refrigerator or chilled cellar. Take care not to place the bulbs near apples or other fruits that produce ethylene gases as this will cause the bulbs to rot.

Choose pots that store easily and are easy to move. 6-8” plastic bulb pans work the best. Fill the containers with a good quality well-draining soil. Make sure the containers have adequate drain holes, this is a must.

Space the bulbs close together, just as long as they are not touching each other or the sides of the container. The plants should be planted just deep enough that the tips of them are showing through the soil.

Water the container well after planting. Keep the soil slightly moist during the cool period, but not wet as this could encourage the bulbs to rot. After you have watered the container you may move it to the refrigerator or chill cellar.

Once 10-16 weeks has passed and you start to see tender shoots forming, you can gradually expose the bulbs to sunlight and warmer temperatures. Keeping the bulbs in a cool 68 degree room in your home is ideal while they are blooming.

For optimum growth, the growth season can be found according to your zone. Find your planting zone here: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

After flowering, allow the foliage to yellow and dry before removing it.

+ Can I plant the bulbs in a container?

Yes.

After the flowers have died, allow the foliage to yellow and die back. The leaves will continue to gather sunlight and store energy for next year’s blooms.

Once the foliage has yellowed and dried, the foliage may be removed by gently pulling it out. If the leaves do not easily pull away from the bulb, they are not ready to be removed.

Choose containers that have good drainage holes, easy to move around and will not be sensitive to freezing temperatures.

Fill containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Just as when planted in the ground make sure the bulbs do not sit wet. Adequate drainage holes are a must.

Place containers in a location where they will receive partial to full sun and space the bulbs close together, just as long as they are not touching each other or the sides of the container.

Plant the bulbs approximately 2-3” deep. With the flattest side down. If you cannot determine which side is the flattest, the bulb will naturally turn itself around towards the light.

Thoroughly soak the area with water once all the bulbs are planted. Like many other bulbs it prefers well drained soil and do not like having wet feet so water only if the soil is dry at a depth of about 3 inches. If it is dry at that depth, it is time to water at soil level.

The bulbs need a “cool period”. But take care, they will not survive if frozen. Therefore, if you live in an area where winters are severe and the ground freezes, the container needs to be moved into a cool place that does not receive frost, such as a garage or cool basement. If the container is too large or heavy to move inside, bubble wrap or burlap can be used to protect the pot from freezing.

As the weather begins to warm up, monitor the pot for signs of sprouts. Once the sprouts start showing, gradually expose the pot to a sunny patio or lawn area. If you left the container outdoors and wrapped it for protection, you may remove this protection.

+ Can I regrow the Bloomaker Hyacinth bulbs?

After having been in the soil for the right amount of time you can try to have them live out their second life-cycle in the vase for the duration of the blooming period. 

Please keep in mind that our growers use a complicated process over the course of weeks to prepare the bulbs so they can thrive hydroponically. When it comes to putting the bulbs back in the vase during the season, we cannot guarantee success. 

The bulbs are alive and sensitive to abrupt changes in their environment, switching them over to another is a delicate process.

Before attempting to force spring flowering bulbs for hydroponic growth yourself, it is recommended to let the bulbs recover in soil, since they're depleted from having bloomed once. 

Please find the instructions to let the bulbs recover in soil below.

+ Can I change the water?

Changing the water is fine. This should be done while keeping the roots safe from damage. Hold the flowers and stems carefully while pouring out the water and refill with regular tap water. The bulbs need to stay upright without being damaged by the plastic “needles” of the tray.

It is very important not to over-water the bulbs. Roots should be kept in water and avoid dipping (splashing) the bulbs in water when moving the vase.

+ There is some mold on the bulbs. What to do?

Sometimes, depending on the environment, bulbs can develop mold. This is usually due to the moist bottom of the bulb being exposed to air early on. It is important the water is initially at the max height of the bottom of the bulb. Keep the vase with the bulbs in a dry and well ventilated environment, like most living rooms.

If there is mold, we recommend carefully rinsing the bulbs with tap water. Take care not to damage the roots. You can put the bulbs back in the same vase. Repeat the next day and put the bulb in 1" of water (to the bottom of the bulbs, roots should be in water). The bulbs should dry a little on the outside and the flowers will subsist on the nutrients in the bulb, so there is no need for additional watering if the stems look healthy.

If you think there is another problem, like damaged bulbs, we'd like to see a picture of it so our grower can take a look and see what else could have happened.

+ What should I do with my Bloomaker vase?

Bloomaker vases are great for crafting. You’ll find some great photos that have been sent to us in our Gallery!

Made something already? Share your creation with us. We might feature your photo on our website!

Share your photos in DM on Instagram & Facebook or by using the hashtag #bloomaker and tagging us @bloomaker