Bulbs - Hyacinth
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  (February) We have a back yard full of Hyacinths. My husband says they make mowing difficult in the spring as they clog the mower they are so thick...How can we get rid of them? We would also like to put in a small garden in the same area if we can get the hyacinths out...

  Are we talking the large showy flowered hyacinths? If so, they are one of the most fragrant and beautiful spring bulbs going. I would imagine though that they are hard on a mower. Any way you could dig and replant in a flower bed? This would alleviate the mowing problem. If you don't want them, I am sure you could find gardeners who do. Who planted them in the first place? If you are talking about some type of weed, let me know, and my answer will be different.

  (April) I have some grape hyacinth that are about finished blooming. I wonder if I can safely transplant them now. Also, when can their foliage be cut back?

  Yes, by all means transplant them now as needed. Do keep the foliage green until it begins to die back. Normally I just wait six weeks following bloom before cutting, but transplanting can cause a shock to the system, and cause things to begin dying back sooner anyway.

  What can you tell me about hyacinths? How often do they bloom? I planted them for the first time this fall and they just finished blooming. If I cut the flower spike off, will they bloom again? Should I fertilize? Any help would be appreciated.

  Hyacinths are spring blooming bulbs. They are planted in the fall, begin growing in late winter, and bloom in mid spring. After bloom, they must have a minimum of six weeks of green growth in order to replenish the flowers for next season. They only bloom once a year. After they have been allowed to grow for the six weeks after bloom, you can cut the foliage off. They can stay in the ground year-round, but will not reappear until next spring. Cut off the spent flower spike now, and fertilize with any general fertilizer.

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