Hyacinth Care Secrets for Spring-Long Blooms

Photo by Inguna Pempere

If you're looking to add some beautiful color to your garden this spring, hyacinths are a great option. These fragrant flowers come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to care for.

However, like any plant, they do require some attention and care to keep them blooming all spring long.

Hyacinth Flower Color and Shape

Hyacinths come in a range of colors and shapes. The most common hyacinth flower colors include pink, purple, white, yellow, and blue. There are also bi-colored and multi-colored varieties available.

Hyacinths are characterized by bell-shaped flowers that are tightly arranged on the main stem. The flowers are usually arranged in a spike, with multiple blooms growing along the stem.

Blooms of the hyacinth are well-known for their sweet aroma. Hyacinths are attractive, fragrant, and low-maintenance, so they're perfect for first-time gardeners.

10 Hyacinth Species to add to Your Garden

There are several different hyacinth varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and colors. Here are some popular varieties to consider:

1. 'Jan Bos' - This variety has bright red flowers and a strong fragrance.

2. 'Delft Blue' - A classic hyacinth variety with soft blue flowers.

3. 'City of Haarlem' - This variety has a soft pink color and a sweet fragrance.

4. 'Carnegie' - One of the most popular white hyacinth varieties, with large, fragrant flowers.

5. 'Woodstock' - This variety has deep purple flowers and a strong fragrance.

6. 'Pink Pearl' - A beautiful pale pink variety with a delicate fragrance.

7. 'Fondant' - This variety has soft pink flowers with a white edge.

8. 'Blue Jacket' - A deep blue variety with a strong fragrance.

9. 'Gypsy Queen' - This variety has bright pink flowers with a white center.

10. 'Miss Saigon' - This variety has a unique deep red color and a strong fragrance.

When choosing which hyacinth varieties to plant, consider the color scheme of your garden and which colors will complement your existing plants. Also, consider the fragrance of the variety, as hyacinths are known for their sweet, heady scent. With so many gorgeous types, you'll find the perfect garden hyacinth.

Bloom Time

From late summer through early summer.

Caring for Hyacinths

Before you plant your hyacinths, it's important to choose the right location, as they love sun and well-drained soil. They can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, but they do best in a location where there's about six hours of sunlight per day.

When planting your hyacinths, make sure to choose a spot with good drainage. If the soil in your garden is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Dig a hole that's about three times the size of the bulb and plant it with the pointed end facing up. Cover the bulb with soil and water it well.

Hyacinths require regular watering to keep them healthy and blooming. Water your hyacinths deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. If you're growing hyacinths in a pot, make sure there are drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from accumulating.

How to plant Hyacinth

Hyacinths are usually planted during the autumn season prior, to the ground becoming frozen. When planting ensure the bulbs are placed, around 6 inches (15 cm) in the soil making sure that the pointed end is facing upwards. Space the bulbs about 4-6 inches (10 - 15 cm) apart to allow for adequate air circulation.

When you plant hyacinths in containers or pots, make sure you use a potting mix of superior quality and put the bulbs at a depth of around two to three inches (five to seven centimeters).

When to plant

The optimal period to plant bulbs is, during autumn prior to the ground freezes. In this way, the bulbs are able to develop roots before the start of the winter, and bloom in the spring.

If you live in an area with mild winters, you can also plant hyacinth bulbs in the winter. In this case, aim to plant them about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.

How to Plant Hyacinths in Containers

The first step in planting hyacinths in containers is to choose the right container. Hyacinths need a container that is at least 6-8 inches (15 - 20 cm) deep and has adequate drainage holes. You can use a traditional terra cotta pot, or get creative and use a basket or other unique container. Just make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate the bulbs and has enough room for them to grow.

Once you've chosen the container, it's time to prepare it for planting. Start by adding a layer of gravel or small stones to the bottom of the container to ensure proper drainage. Next, fill the container with a high-quality potting mix, leaving enough space at the top to add the bulbs.

To plant the hyacinth bulbs, start by placing them on top of the potting mix. Space them evenly and make sure they're not touching each other or the sides of the container. Gently press the bulbs into the potting mix so they're about half-buried. Finally, add more potting mix to cover the bulbs, leaving about an inch of space at the top of the container.

Once you've planted your hyacinths, it's important to care for them properly to ensure they bloom beautifully. Remember to water it regularly, but not overwater it. You can also add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.

Hyacinths in containers need a period of cold temperatures to bloom properly, so it's best to keep the container outdoors in a cool, shaded area for several weeks. Once the leaves and buds begin to emerge, you can move the container to a sunnier location.

Repotting Hyacinth

If you have an established hyacinth plant that has outgrown its container, it's time to repot it. To repot a hyacinth plant, gently remove it from its current container and shake off any loose soil. Choose a new container that is slightly larger than the current one and has drainage holes in the bottom.

Fill the new container with well-draining potting soil, and then place the hyacinth plant in the soil so that the base of the leaves is just above the soil line. Fill with soil.

Water the soil thoroughly, and then place the container in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist and remember to fertilize regularly.

How to Get Hyacinth to Bloom

To keep your hyacinths blooming all spring, it's important to fertilize them regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer that's low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. Apply the fertilizer in early spring, just as the leaves begin to emerge from the soil.

How to Care for Hyacinths

To encourage your hyacinths to keep blooming, it's important to deadhead them regularly - it means removing the spent flowers from the plant. This prevents the plant from putting energy into producing seeds and instead directs that energy into producing more flowers.

Hyacinths are relatively hardy plants, but they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. To protect your hyacinths, keep an eye out for signs of damage or disease and take action promptly. You can also use insecticidal soap or other natural remedies to prevent pest infestations.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Various rodents are able to eat Hyacinth bulbs. You can provide some protective action if you put some gravel in your garden. A simpler way is to plant the plants in daffodils which rodent species prefer to avoid. Hyacinths are rarely ill affected by plant disease, though their bulbs will rot in soils with poor drainage.

Storing Your Hyacinth Bulbs

It is possible that you may need to dig up your hyacinth bulbs in the fall and preserve them indoors until spring if you live in a location that experiences cold winters. To do this, wait until the foliage has died back and the bulbs have dried out. First, dig up the bulbs. Next, keep them somewhere cool and dry until spring, when you can plant them again.

Will Hyacinths Bloom Again?

It is true that hyacinths are perennials, which means that if they are properly cared for, they will continue to bloom year after year. After the hyacinth blooms have faded, it's important to remove the flower stalks to prevent the plant from expending energy on producing seeds.

Once the foliage has died back, you can dig up the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry location until it's time to plant them again in the fall. When planting the bulbs, be sure to choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun or partial shade. Plant the bulbs at a depth of about 4-6 inches, with the pointed end facing up.

How to Grow Hyacinth From Seed

Although hyacinths may grow by seed they may require years of cultivation to coax a seed to create an egg to develop into a large structure to create flowering plants.

First let the hyacinths bloom on the tree so the pods are planted. These pods can grow green to a black color with small black berries in their interior.

The pod's leaves should be dry or split open, so that seeds can be collected by placing the white sheet underneath the flowers. Separate seeds, soak the seeds in warm water for 1-2 days. Place them between two moist papers in the plastic pouch.

Why are hyacinths poisonous?

Both the Hyacinth and the tulips of Liliaceae are in their respective family and have allergens. The toxic principle is concentrated in the bulb rather than in the leaf and in the flowers. Ingestion may lead to severe health effects when consuming large quantities.

Are Hyacinth Bulbs Poisonous to Cats and Dogs?

If you're a pet owner and considering planting hyacinths in your garden, you may be wondering if these beautiful flowers are safe for your furry friends. The short answer is no, hyacinth bulbs are toxic to both cats and dogs.

The bulbs of the hyacinth contain a substance called oxalic acid, which can cause a range of symptoms in pets, including vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney failure.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested hyacinth bulbs or any other toxic plant, it's important to seek veterinary attention immediately. The sooner you can get your pet the necessary treatment, the better their chances of a full recovery.

Fortunately, there are plenty of pet-friendly plants and flowers that you can plant in your garden instead. Some options include marigolds, sunflowers, and petunias, all of which are safe for cats and dogs to be around.

In conclusion, hyacinth plant care is relatively easy and straightforward. By choosing the right location, planting your bulbs correctly, and providing them with regular water and fertilizer, you can enjoy beautiful hyacinth blooms all spring long.

With a little bit of care and attention, hyacinths will reward you with their sweet fragrance and vibrant colors.