Water Hyacinth

[AnthonyRibis]

Are these Hardy and will the survive upstate NY winter just left in the pond?

 

[Mmathis]

No, they aren't hardy. I'm in Louisiana and mine are already starting to look puny.

 

[JohnHuff]

No, they will die. Someone told me that in the wild, they just grow again from the bulb. So last winter I just left them all in the pond but they never grew back again this Summer so I ended just using them as compost.

 

[TekWarren]

Between my fish going on a root sucking spree and some early cold nights my hyacinths are steadily going black. My water lettuce seems much more hardy and will bounce back when protected from the fish. I got no blooms this year, may just stick with water lettuce next year or try something new in addition.

 

[haver79]

My WH in the pond are looking pretty sad. Between the fish nibbling and the 100 degree temps we've had are doing a number on them. I have some in a half whiskey barrel that is mostly shaded and they look great, even with the heat we been having. I throw mine out at the end of season. Tried to overwinter last year in the basement, no luck.

 

[Troutredds]

I'm currently trying to overwinter 20 water hyacinths in two 20 gallon totes. They are in a heated garage (60+ degrees Fahrenheit). There is no soil amendment added, just 10 gallons of 7.5 ph pond water per container. With evaporation and nutrient absorption, I plan on adding pond water and time-release fertilizer as needed. I may separate some into a third container if they continue to grow. Any and all suggestions or corrrections based on personal experience are appreciated. Please view the attached pic.

 

[HARO]

They'll need a LOT of light!
John

 

[Troutredds]

They are in a south-facing window with unobstructed daily light. I hope it's enough as days get shorter and darker in western Washington...