Hyacinths are beautiful additions to Southern gardens. They provide vibrant floral color with tall spikes of eye-catching blooms and bright green foliage. Hyacinths are members of the Asparagaceae family. They're perennials that produce striking, fragrant flowers, which will have you looking forward to their blooms every year.
Plant hyacinth bulbs in autumn, putting them in the ground from October to December for flowering in the spring months (usually March and April). Hyacinths produce showy flowers in shades of blue, purple, white, pink, and red. The flowers appear in thick clusters on tall spikes—each spike has small, deeply fragrant, bell-shaped blooms. Long bright green leaves form around the base of the plant.
When to Plant Hyacinth Bulbs
How to Plant Hyacinth Bulbs
Hyacinth is a cold climate bulb that needs a period of cold temperature in winter to flower. In areas that do not get regular frosts, hyacinth bulbs can be chilled in the refrigerator to simulate a cold winter. Place bulbs in an open paper bag in the fridge, away from ripe fruit and vegetables, for 6-8 weeks prior to planting them.
Hyacinth bulbs should be planted directly in their final position in the garden or a container.
- Plant individual bulbs 10-15cm apart and 10-15cm deep with the pointed tip facing upwards.
- Cover with soil and water in well.
- Keep soil moist but not wet until shoots emerge.
Hyacinth Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing hyacinth:
- Plant in a slightly acidic to neutral soil in full sun to partial shade.
- Water well after the bulbs are planted, but allow the ground to dry before the next watering.
- Bulbs can be fertilized upon planting.
- Grow hyacinth in large groups for the strongest and farthest-reaching scent.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long can hyacinths live?
A hyacinth bulb will live for three to four years. Since they decline in quality over time, many people choose to pull the bulbs up each year, treating them as annuals. Some people in warmer climates do this too to prevent having to manually chill their bulbs. You can purchase hyacinth bulbs pre-chilled.
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What is the difference between hyacinths and grape hyacinths?
While they may sound similar, hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) and grape hyacinths (Muscari armeniacum) are different species. Like hyacinths, grape hyacinths are also a perennial bulb that blooms in mid-spring. While its stalk-like shape may be similar to a hyacinth, the florets that grow on it are bell-shaped and blue or purple, resembling grapes, unlike hyacinth flowers which splay out and come in a variety of colors.
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Where should I put potted hyacinths in my house?
If you are growing your hyacinths indoors, you will need to put them in a spot beside a window that receives lots of bright indirect light throughout the day. Placing your hyacinth plants beside a south-facing window is ideal.