Regular readers know how much I love to grow bulbs indoors. Hyacinths are my favorite because they’re so easy and once they bloom, their fragrance is divine.
Over the years, I’ve started probably at least a hundred bulbs to give away as gifts or to keep for myself. Every single one of them has begun the same way – by putting out a multitude of roots immediately after being placed in water.
I can’t say that all of them bloomed, as I gave most of them away, but they have been very reliable about sending out roots.
Until the one I decided to keep for myself:
I started it in December, and was surprised by how slowly it’s been growing.
It should’ve already bloomed by now, but instead all I have is a little bit of green.
Turns out, the dang thing only put out two strangly little roots:
No wonder it’s not growing very quickly! This is the strangest bulb I’ve ever seen.
Has anyone heard of this before?
Maybe the kitchen windowsill gets too much light, and that interrupted the root development? I’ve had other bulbs on the same windowsill that grew just fine. But maybe this one was just particularly finicky.
Opinions? Thoughts?
8 comments
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February 25, 2013 at 10:53 pm
Nancy Popp Mumpton
You know more about these bulbs than I do Liza, but I wondered if it is sitting too deeply in the water. I thought you were just supposed to have the very bottom root area sitting in water. Maybe it is too deep?
February 25, 2013 at 11:39 pm
goodtogrow
It’s hard to see in the photos, Nancy, but the bottom is the only part in the water. It’s confounding!
But, it’s also ok. A teeny problem in the overall scheme of life. Thanks for stopping by my site!
February 26, 2013 at 10:38 am
Judy
wow .. i never knew you could do this with these !! they are my favorite !!! i am going to get some bulbs and try this . WOW AWESOME !
February 26, 2013 at 3:50 pm
goodtogrow
Judy, here are step-by-step instructions: http://goodtogrow.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/tuesday-flowers-and-flowering-plants-how-to-say-i-love-you-with-a-flowering-bulb/
Enjoy!!!
February 26, 2013 at 2:39 pm
vastpalette
Clueless myself. How ironic the one for keeps lol. You poor thing. Good luck!
February 26, 2013 at 3:50 pm
goodtogrow
I know, right Alissa? Although, I’m glad I didn’t give away the dud! That would’ve made for a crappy gift!
February 26, 2013 at 11:25 pm
Kim
I like to force bulbs indoors too, and currently have four hyacinth bulbs in bloom. I’ve never come across this issue, though, so am clueless to what it could be. Maybe it’s just a dud? Weird.
February 27, 2013 at 12:41 am
goodtogrow
It must be, Kim. So again, I’m glad I didn’t try to give it away as a gift! Thanks for stopping by the site!