Giant Mixed Hyacinths
Hyacinth bulbs bloom in mid-spring with fragrant clusters of flowers. They are popular for growing in the garden as well as indoor forcing. Hyacinth blooms have a rather intoxicating fragrance that is hard to miss. Blooming in a variety of colors these spring favorites fit well in clusters as well as the front of the border. For fragrant blooms that are colorful and deer resistant plant hyacinth bulbs this fall.
How to Plant Hyacinths?
Plant hyacinth bulbs 6-8″ deep. Dig a hole and plant multiple – 3-5 hyacinths per hole placing the bulbs at the bottom of the 6-8″ deep hole. Hyacinths are considered a true bulb and therefore have a distinct pointed end. The pointed end of the bulb should be facing the sky.
Aiolos Hyacinth
When to Plant Hyacinths?
For blooms outdoors in spring plant hyacinths in fall before the ground freezes for the year. The best time to plant hyacinths is when your daytime temperatures are in the 60’s during the day or lower. Generally, September through December is the best time to plant hyacinths outdoors for blooms in spring.
Where to Plant Hyacinths?
Hyacinth bulbs should be planted in a sun to part-sun location that receives at least 6 hours of sun per day. Like most fall-planted bulbs hyacinths are easy to grow; however, they require soil that drains well. If the soil hyacinth bulbs are planted in holds water they may rot over winter. Amend your soil with organic matter prior to planting to increase the drainage.
Hyacinths grow 8-12″ tall. Therefore, they are best planted in the front areas of your planting bed. Hyacinths planted in rows make a lovely border. They can also be grouped together and bouquet planted throughout your garden beds.
What Colors do Hyacinths Come in?
A favorite feature of hyacinths flowers is the variety of colors they bloom in. Hyacinths are among the few flowers to produce true blue flowers. Varieties like Blue Jacket Hyacinth, Blue Star Hyacinths, and Delft Blue Hyacinths bloom in dark blue to light blue shades.
Pastel colors that remind us of Easter are also commonly seen in hyacinth blooms. Fondant Hyacinth, Gipsy Princess, and Purple Pride Hyacinths all have soft pastel tones. If soft pastel colors don’t fit in your garden but you want hyacinths, no need to worry! Hyacinths also bloom in bold colors like the bright pink Jan Bos Hyacinths, or deep purple Woodstock Hyacinths.
How Long do Hyacinths Bloom?
In early to mid-spring hyacinths begin blooming. Typically as the crocus are fading hyacinths will begin to produce buds and shortly after that their flowers will open. The hyacinth blooms will last 1-2 weeks depending on the weather. Unseasonably warm temperatures above 65 degrees often cause the blooms to fade quicker. However, with average to cool spring temperatures, the blooms should last at least one week.
How to Grow Hyacinths Indoors?
Forcing bulbs for indoor blooms is an enchanting project for winter. If you can’t enjoy flowers outside you may as well try to enjoy them inside. If you want to enjoy hyacinth blooms and fragrance indoors you can force them. To force hyacinths you will need to provide them at least 8 weeks of temperatures below 50 degrees. These chilled hyacinths can be grown in pots with soil or in vases with water. If you want to force hyacinths this winter and want more details on how to do it check out this guide on forcing hyacinths for indoor blooms.
What Care do Hyacinths Require?
Bulbs store energy within themselves, and therefore only require minimal fertilization. For the most robust hyacinths apply a slow-release fertilizer made for bulbs when you see the leaves emerging in spring. While the hyacinths are blooming they should not require additional water, other than what is provided by the earth. However, if you are facing a rather hot and dry spell in spring while the hyacinths are blooming a light water will help the blooms last longer.
When hyacinths are done blooming you can remove the flower stems. It is best to keep the leaves intact until they can be removed from the ground. The leaves gather sun for the next season’s blooms, keeping them intact helps your bulbs for the following spring.
Fragrant Hyacinths Inside or Outside
Whether you are planting hyacinths this fall outside or forcing them for indoor blooms they will add fragrance to your home. Hyacinths can be grown in bunches or in rows in your garden or in vases and pots in your home. When planting your tulips, and daffodils don’t forget to add some fragrant hyacinths to the mix.
