Growing hyacinths from bulbs

Hyacinth is one of the first garden flowers to bloom at the start of the season. It offers a wide range of colors: white, pink, purple, and lilac. Hyacinth thrives both indoors and in the garden.

How to grow hyacinths from bulbs in your garden, and what conditions need to be met

Incredibly fragrant flowers emerge from a perennial bulb. Caring for them indoors isn't much different from caring for other bulbous plants, but there are a few things to keep in mind. The most important thing to consider is the bulb. For indoor growing, it's best to choose a bulb at least 5 cm in diameter. For growing hyacinths outdoors, smaller bulbs are best. Make sure the planting material is firm and free of rot, disease, and damage.

To grow a hyacinth from a bulb, it must be prepared. After the hyacinth blooms, the flower stalk is cut off. The leaves are left until they completely fade. Then, the bulb is dug out of the ground and kept for two weeks at high humidity and a temperature of about 30°C (86°F). Then, the temperature is gradually lowered each week to 25°C (77°F), then to 15°C (59°F). After this preparation, the bulbs can be potted.

We recommend reading the article about digging up and storing hyacinth bulbs after flowering.

The planting time is chosen based on when you want the hyacinth to bloom. The maturation period is approximately six months.

Hyacinths prefer well-lit locations protected from wind. The planted bulb should be left to rest. The pots are placed in a dark area with a temperature of up to 6°C (41°F). The soil should be neither dry nor waterlogged. The bulbs can be kept in this condition for up to three months. During this period, the planting material takes root, and by the end of the period, sprouts will emerge. The plant is then moved to a bright, cool location. The pot should be rotated regularly to ensure the plant grows straight.

These conditions are considered ideal for hyacinths. However, this doesn't mean they won't bloom under different conditions. The results may simply be different. For example, the flowering period will be short. Keeping the bulbs cool is crucial; without it, the plant may not develop.

Hyacinth bulbs are planted in open ground in garden plots in September, or closer to October. If planted later, the bulbs won't have time to root; if planted earlier, the plant may begin growing before the frost and die.

For the winter, the bulbs should be covered with leaves or sawdust. It's best to rotate the planting location each year.

We also recommend reading, What perennial flowers can be planted in the garden?.