:: Hyacinths ~ Hyacinthus orientalis ::

Hyacinths delightful fragrance will announce the arrival of spring!

Hyacinths are very easy to grow and their stately beauty demands attention. Their intoxicating fragrance alone is reason enough to plant them but couple this with a rainbow of colors to select from and hyacinths make an excellent choice for early spring gardens! Hyacinths are sweet smelling flowers that have glossy dark green leaves and small, stiff, compact flowers (florets) that grow around a thick stem. This dense spike of flowers can be found in various shades to include: white, purple, blue, yellow, apricot, burgundy, and red.



Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of sun a day:

Hyacinths are grown from large bulbs that need to be planted in the fall, several weeks before the first frost. Hyacinths thrive in well-drained rich soil. Soil made-up primarily of clay will need to be enhanced by mixing it with sand or gravel, and organic matter prior to planting.

Plant the bulbs 5-8 inches deep and allow 5-6 inches between other bulbs. With all soil types, sprinkle some bulb fertilizer into each hole as you are planting. Bulb fertilizer can be sprinkled on top of established beds each year.

After the plant is finished blooming, allow the flowers and leaves to die off naturally, then snip off at ground level or allow the leaves to dissolve back into the soil. If you snip the plant down too soon, you rob the bulb of nutrients it needs to prepare for next year's blooms. Hyacinths are eager bloomers that will re-emerge for many years. It is important to note that the tightness of the blooms will loosen with each growing year. If you enjoy a more compact formal look, you will need to replace your bulbs every few years.

Hyacinths look striking when planted singly but make a bold statement when planted in groupings. Hyacinths and Daffodils make a beautiful combination in an early spring garden. Plant hyacinths near an entry way and you will enjoy a burst of color and fragrance each time you go in and out of your house!

Growing Hyacinths Indoors:

Hyacinths are excellent specimens for container gardening and are also able to be grown indoors using a technique called "forcing".

Forcing hyacinths was in vogue during the Victorian era and has re-emerged as a very popular hobby in Europe and America. Imagine a cold, dark winter day that is brightened by a windowsill of glass pots and colorful hyacinths....delightful! The key to forcing bulbs is "tricking" them into thinking winter is over and that it is time to bloom.

1. Special glass forcing jars are available in your local gift/gardening store or can be purchased online.

2. Place a bulb in the top of the forcing jar and add water. Do not let the water touch the bulb about a 1/4 inch below bulb. (bulb will rot if it sits in water)
3. Store in a cool dry place (50 degrees) for 10-13 weeks. If storing in a refrigerator do not keep near fruits and vegetables. (Ethylene gas that is released during the ripening process damages the developing hyacinths).
4. Add water as needed but never allow water to touch bulb.
5. When the roots extend to the bottom of the container and the plant growth is about 2 inches high, move it to a warmer location for about 2-3 days.
6. Move the jars to a sunny windowsill. (turn periodically to avoid plant reaching toward light source)
7. Bulbs that are forced in water should be discarded after blooming. They will bloom for the following season if planted outdoors, but blooms will be considerably smaller.

These days you can buy bulbs almost everywhere--including the grocery store and big-box stores. For a big selection of top size Hyacinth bulbs , visit Dutch Gardens. Quality counts!

Discourage voles, mice, and squirrels from dining on your tulips, hyacinths and crocuses by sprinkling in some all-natural Bulb Insurance when you plant. Find out more about Gardener's Bulb Insurance Plus!

Your soil is too clayey and you want plant Hyacinth bulbs in planter or windowboxes? Here you find new containers, decorative stands, window boxes and much more at windowbox.com

Hyacinths make a beautiful addition to spring gardens and bring a "touch of spring" indoors during a long cold winter! Buy some Hyacinth bulbs this fall. You will be happy you did!

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