How to Make Waxed Hyacinths Yourself - A Guide

DIY Waxed Hyacinths: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide provides instructions on how to create decorative waxed hyacinths, offering a touch of spring indoors during colder months.
Materials Needed:
- Bulbs of your choice (Hyacinths are recommended)
- Candle remnants
- A large preserving jar (ensure the opening is wide enough for the bulbs)
- Baking paper
How to Wax Hyacinth Bulbs:
- Prepare the Bulbs: Remove any soil from the bulbs and soak them in water overnight. This is crucial as the wax coating will limit future watering. The bulbs will absorb sufficient water to sustain themselves.
- Dry and Trim: The following day, remove the bulbs from the water, dry them thoroughly, and trim the roots.
- Melt the Wax: Place candle remnants into the preserving jar. Then, place the jar into a pot filled with water. Heat the pot on the stove over medium heat to melt the wax in a double boiler.
- Remove Wick: Once the wax is fully melted, remove the wick.
- Dip the Bulbs: Prepare a sheet of baking paper. Dip each bulb into the melted wax. Repeating this process will create a thicker and more vibrant wax coating.
- Create a Base: After achieving the desired wax coating, place the bulb onto the baking paper with slight pressure. This forms a stable base, ensuring the bulb stands upright.
- Repeat and Decorate: Repeat the process for all bulbs. Once finished, the waxed hyacinths are ready to be gifted or used as home decor.
Caring for Waxed Hyacinths:
- Placement: Position the waxed hyacinths in a bright spot, away from direct heat sources. Rotate them periodically to encourage straight growth.
- Watering: Ideally, waxed hyacinths do not require additional watering due to the initial overnight soak. However, if the bulb appears dry, carefully create small holes in the wax coating on the underside with a wooden skewer. Place the bulb on a saucer with water to allow it to absorb moisture and bloom fully.
- Repurposing Bulbs: After the hyacinths have finished blooming, the wax layer can be removed by carefully scoring and peeling it off with a sharp knife. The bulbs can then be planted in the garden for the following year.
Other Flowers Suitable for Waxing:
Most flower bulbs can be coated with wax. Consider using:
- Amaryllis
- Daffodils
- Tulips
- Crocuses
- Grape hyacinths


