How to Propagate Roman Hyacinths

Allow the Roman hyacinth to begin the dormancy process before propagating. Dormancy starts when flowering is over and the foliage begins to turn yellow -- usually around late summer. Once the foliage begins to yellow, dig up the bulb with a trowel.

Slip on a pair of gardening gloves and create a cross-shaped cut on the bottom, or basal plate of the bulb, using a sharp knife. Replant the hyacinth in a nursery flat filled with damp, organic potting soil after making the cut.

Remove the bulb from the soil once more when the foliage turns brown and dieback is complete. By the time dieback is over, bulblets will appear on the mother bulb, attached to the area where you made the incision. Pull the bulblets from the mother bulb with your fingers, tugging gently.

Press the bulblets into the soil of the nursery flat. Keep the soil damp at all times as the bulblets grow. In about three to four years, the bulblets will reach flowering stage and be ready for outdoor transplant.