I disagree in that forcing bulbs does affect the following years growth. Hyacinths are usually tough enough to overcome this if the bulbs are fed and allowed a long growing season. Forcing tends to cause the bulbs to divide into smaller bulbs after flowering. I believe that it also boosts the flowering at the expense of resources in the bulb which would otherwise go into boosting leaf growth. For forced bulbs I expect a year of good flowering followed by a year of recuperation, the third year should see the plant growing naturally. Peter (UK) On 18 March 2014 02:12, Jane McGary <janemcgary@earthlink.net> wrote: > Lisa wrote > >Why does forcing them affect them so drastically? Is there a way to > >'recharge' the bulbs by planting in the ground for a year or so? > >Any hope to maintain the wonderful color & scent in the greenhouse without > >buying new bulbs every year? > > , it is not forcing itself that affects the hyacinths as Lisa > describes. They are just reverting to their normal appearance after > having been brought to what is commercially considered their peak of > perfection by special techniques used in the Dutch bulb trade. > >