Hyacinth

(hy·a·cinth | \ ˈhī-ə-(ˌ)sin(t)th, -sən(t)th \)

	When to Plant:
	Indoors in Late Fall

	Blooms:
	Indoors in Winter; 12-14 weeks after planting

	Light Requirements:
	Indirect Light

	Plant Height:
	8-14"

	Hardiness Zones:
	Indoor forcing; Grow outdoors as Perennial in zones 4-8. Find Your Zone

	Planting Depth:
	1-2" with top 'point' of bulb exposed above soil line

	Plant Spacing:
	Spaced evenly in container; 1-2" apart

	Plant Type:
	Bulb

About

Dutch hyacinths may be the perfect spring flower. They are available in a rainbow of rich colors with unsurpassed fragrance, classic shape and reliability. Small, bell-shaped flowers are packed onto a thick, fragrant spike. A favorite for growing in the spring garden or for forcing indoors during the winter months.

Highlights

Delightfully sweet fragrance
Grow with or without soil
Force indoors
Excellent for cut flowers
Great for gift giving

Planting Care & Instructions

To force indoors in containers during the winter months, pot large-sized, specially treated hyacinth bulbs in containers. Place in a cool, dark location (such as a closet), making sure the soil remains damp for several weeks to ensure adequate root development. When shoot tips are visible, move to a 50ºF environment at first, gradually moving to higher temperature locations as more shoot appears and giving as much light as possible. After forcing, keep in a cool, but sunny location to finish growth.

To force indoors in a bulb vase, place bulb in the cup-shaped spot at top of vase and fill with water just until water level is touching the roots. May also place in a vase of your choice on top of rocks or decorative stones, filling the vessel with water until water level is just touching the roots. Maintain water level and follow remaining steps as in indoor container forcing.

Growing Tips

Best planted to be enjoyed up close. Outdoor planting: In warmer climates (USDA hardy zones 8-10) it is advisable to pre-chill the bulbs 6-8 weeks before planting. Place in vented bag(s) at bottom of refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep bulbs away from ripening fruits. Plant in informal groupings of 5 or more bulbs for best results. Hyacinths prefer well drained soil but will tolerate a wide variety of conditions. Water well during the growing season. Fertilize at planting time and again after blooming.

After flowering and when foliage has died, dig and clean bulbs. Store in a dry, well ventilated location. Repeat pre-chilling procedure before planting again. Hyacinths are winter hardy and resist frost damage.

Contact with hyacinth bulbs may cause skin irritation. Use gloves or handle with care. Wash hands thoroughly after planting.

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