To get hyacinths to spread, there are several methods you can try. One of these methods is chipping, which involves using a mature dormant bulb. This technique can be quite effective in propagating hyacinth bulbs and increasing their spread in your garden.
First, you will need to select a mature hyacinth bulb that is dormant. Look for bulbs that are firm and have a healthy appearance. The bulb should not show any signs of rot or disease.
Next, remove the outer skin of the bulb. This can be done by gently peeling away the dry, papery layers until you reach the fleshy part of the bulb. Removing the outer skin helps to promote new growth and encourages the bulb to produce more offsets.
After removing the outer skin, it’s time to trim the roots. Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to carefully trim any long or damaged roots. Trimming the roots helps to ensure that the bulb is in optimal condition for propagation.
Now, take off the growing tip and nose of the bulb. The growing tip is the pointed end of the bulb, while the nose is the flat, rounded end. Removing these parts helps to redirect the energy of the bulb towards producing new offsets.
With the basal plate at the top, it’s time to cut (chip) the bulb into 8-16 similarly sized sections. The basal plate is the flat, bottom part of the bulb where the roots emerge. Use a sharp knife or clean secateurs to make clean cuts, ensuring that each section has a portion of the basal plate.
Once you have divided the bulb into sections, you can plant them individually in well-draining soil. Make sure to plant each section with the basal plate facing downwards and the cut side facing upwards. Plant the sections at a depth of about 3-4 inches, ensuring that they are spaced several inches apart.
After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly and place them in a location that receives full sunlight. Hyacinths prefer well-drained soil and require regular watering to establish and spread. Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged to avoid rotting the bulbs.
Over time, the chipped hyacinth sections will develop new roots and shoots, eventually growing into full-sized bulbs. With proper care and maintenance, these bulbs will continue to multiply and spread, creating a beautiful display of hyacinths in your garden.
In my personal experience, chipping hyacinth bulbs has been a successful method for increasing their spread in my garden. I have found that selecting healthy, mature bulbs and following the steps outlined above has resulted in the production of numerous offsets. These offsets have grown into new bulbs, which have then multiplied and spread over the years, creating a stunning carpet of hyacinths. It’s a rewarding and satisfying process that adds beauty and fragrance to any garden.
