Hyacinth Propagation by Seed
Warning: According to many sources, hyacinth seeds are often sterile, while others state that planting seeds is an easy, dependable way to start a new plant. If you decide to give propagation of hyacinths by seed a try, remove the seeds from a healthy hyacinth bloom after the flower has faded. Fill a planting tray with a compost-based potting mix formulated for seed starting. Spread the seeds evenly on the surface of the potting mix, then cover the seeds with a thin layer of clean horticultural grit or clean, coarse sand. Water the seeds, then place the tray in a cool greenhouse, cold frame or other cool location and allow them to ripen, undisturbed, for a year. After the hyacinth seeds have ripened for a year, seedlings are ready to transplant into pots, or directly into the garden and cared for as usual.
Propagating Hyacinth Offsets
If you would like to know how to propagate bulbs of hyacinth rather than seed grow them, no problem. In fact, this method of hyacinth propagation is quite simple. As the foliage has died down, you will notice small offset bulbs growing at the base of the main bulb. Dig deeply around the outer perimeter of the plant because the offset bulbs may be hidden deep in the soil. When you locate the bulbs, gently separate them from the parent plant. For a naturalized look, simply toss the bulbs on the ground and plant them wherever they land. Allow any remaining top growth to die away naturally. Growing hyacinth bulbs is just that easy!
