I have the same problem and it is awful to pay such high prices for those things. So, when we visit family in La. we go to the bayou and get one or two. Another thought would be to put one in an aquarium and try to keep it over the winter. Have never tried it.

Try j&j aquafarm has good prices and plants I got my fish and plants there

Here is a link that might be useful: j&jaquafarms

I'm sorry that I don't have a particular source for you. I know that I buy them for about $2 a plant here in the midwest (Kansas City). I can buy about ten and by the time July comes I have to start thinning them out... but we get sunny, hot and humid.

I know that the water garden that I buy the initial plants from get them from a local farm. Maybe you can find a farmer or pond farm that sells them wholesale.

And remember, drhl1, a contributor on this forum recommends weekly fertilizing for water hyacinths using Stump Remover. I would recommend Gordon's Stump Remover... probably avail. online. You might want to do a search of this forum for drhl1's recommendations.

Thanks all for your responses! The recommendation of j&j aquafarm was great! 12 water hyacinths for $25. Versus paying $3.95 per plant up here ($47!). A much better price. Thanks!

I put 3 or 4 little ones in a small clear rubbermaid tub along w/other plants that won't survive the winter in a window sill for the winter. I have been doing this for years and the little hyacinths don't grow much inside but take off when they move back outside to the pond.

I have ponding friends in warmer climates mail me some every year but we don't get warm enough for them here until July. :(
I tried keeping them over in heated greenhouse with heated pond but they didn't live....

Last fall I threw some into a little pond that is spring fed, we have now turned it into a larger pond and I am in the process of changing it into my pretty pond. Anyway I am shocked after having a deep freeze of around 2 months, might be less but I am sure it felt that way, I am shocked to see that they are now growing again. I know we had below freezing temps for at least 6 weeks, day time highs above freezing for a couple more weeks but night time below freezing again. We are now coming out of it. I am such a happy camper as to not have to buy more this year. I have some in my basement and they are limping along but they don't all look to good.
This is the before photo, the pond I had till my two pups decided to play in it and killed my liner.
{{gwi:189344}}

Now we have a house in the country and decided to use the spring pond for the goldfish and plants.
Here we are digging it out. Thank goodness for big toys.

{{gwi:189345}}

I can't wait till all of the plants settle in and start blooming for me.
Sandy

I tried overwintering a couple of water hyacinths and water lettuce plus a cup of fairy Moss (azolla) in a container in a sunny window. The water lettuce just got moldy so I threw that out. The hyacinths have been limping along all winter but are still alive, very small, but alive. The Fairy Moss is thriving. I am looking forward to being able to put what has survived into the finally melted pond, but have to be patient. We will still have freezing weather for a while yet.

Sandy, I look forward to seeing pictures of your pond when it is done.
Anne

I got mine on eBay last year. They were a steal compared to the local places; I paid about $35 inc shipping for a dozen each WH and water lettuce. They were big and healthy and multiplied so much I was giving them away after a short time. Of course I can't remember the seller but that's where I'll look again this year.

{{gwi:189347}}

Looking to buy some pond plants will pay shipping if free Looking for water hyacinths and some parrot feather
Any offers let me know please

Ebay - so far so good for the last 2 years.

Have plenty can trade you for other plants Hoitider

Check with me the first week of May. Should have plenty to ship for postage. Mine are the Minis.

do u have seeds can u email me seannewilliams@gmail.com thanks