Can You Grow Hyacinth Flowers from Seeds?
Hyacinth flowers are known for their sweet fragrance and vibrant blooms. They are typically propagated by dividing and planting bulblets that form on the mother bulb. However, it is also possible to grow hyacinths from seeds, although this method requires patience and care.
Saving Hyacinth Seeds
After hyacinth flowers fade, small green seed pods will begin to form. As the seed pods mature, they will turn brown and split open to release small black seeds. To collect the seeds, you can wrap nylon pantyhose around the hyacinth flowers that have gone to seed. Once the pods disperse the seeds, they will be caught in the pantyhose.
It’s important to note that hyacinths grown from seed may not develop into the same variety as the parent plant. This is because sexual propagation (seed propagation) can result in plants that revert to the qualities of other parent plants. For this reason, the best way to propagate hyacinths that are exactly the same variety as the parent plant is by asexual propagation (dividing the bulbs).
Growing Hyacinth from Seed
Once you have collected the hyacinth seeds, you can begin the process of growing them.
Step 1: Preparing the Seeds
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 to 48 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and improve germination.
Step 2: Germinating the Seeds
There are two methods for germinating hyacinth seeds:
- Cold Stratification: Place the soaked seeds on a moistened paper towel, cover with another moistened paper towel, and gently place this in a plastic bag. Put the plastic bag in your refrigerator in a place where it will not be disturbed or squashed. The seeds should germinate within 4-6 weeks.
- Direct Sowing: You can also plant the soaked seeds directly into a seed tray filled with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Place the tray in a cold frame or greenhouse.
Step 3: Planting the Sprouts
Once the seeds have germinated, carefully plant the sprouts 2 to 3 inches apart in a seed tray filled with a mix of peat moss and perlite. Place the tray in a cold frame or greenhouse.
Step 4: Growing and Care
The first year, the hyacinth will not sprout much more than a few leaves. During this first year, the seed’s energy will be used to develop a bulb, not foliage or flowers. It can take up to six years before some varieties of hyacinth will even develop a flower.
During the first couple years, focus on bulb growth by providing monthly doses of rooting or bulb boosting fertilizer. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide plenty of sunlight.
Troubleshooting
If your hyacinth seeds are not germinating, there are a few possible reasons:
- The seeds are not fresh. Hyacinth seeds are most viable when they are fresh. If you are using old seeds, they may not germinate.
- The seeds were not soaked long enough. The seed coat of hyacinth seeds is hard. Soaking them in lukewarm water for 24 to 48 hours will help to soften the seed coat and improve germination.
- The seeds were not exposed to cold temperatures. Hyacinth seeds require a period of cold temperatures to germinate. If you are germinating the seeds indoors, you can place them in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks.
Conclusion
Growing hyacinth from seed is a rewarding experience that can add beautiful and fragrant flowers to your garden. With patience and care, you can successfully propagate hyacinth plants from seed.
