Hyacinth Bulbs Description

Hyacinth bulbs contain all the ingredients for growing a gorgeous spike of spring blooms.

Hyacinths, a flowering stalk of tiny, highly scented blooms that emerge with the early spring, are born from bulbs that hide in the ground over winter. Hyacinths come in literally every color of the rainbow except true black. In fact, it's one of the few bulb bloomers that provides a true blue option. Bulbs, which are several times larger than typical seeds, contain all the information and nutrition necessary to produce an often spectacular, showy bloom.

Bulbs

The University of Illinois Extension defines a bulb as "any plant that stores its complete life cycle in an underground structure." Typically divided into five distinct groups, bulbs may belong to the true bulb, tuber, tuberous roots, rhizomes, or fleshy roots categories. Each structure is slightly different, but all have a firm, flesh-like composition with a protective exterior.

Tunicate bulbs

Part of the true bulb category, hyacinths are born from a tunicate-type bulb. The elongated, teardrop-shaped structure is composed of five main parts. The basal plate forms the base of the bulb, producing roots that will feed the shoot. The shoot will grow into the bloom of the bulb. Fleshy scales, which grow in layers, act as storage tissue. Lateral buds will create offsets, or tiny baby bulbs, that will eventually grow to form a new bloom-producing mature bulb. The tunic, the part for which these bulb types are named, covers the entire structure in a papery robe that preserves moisture and prevents harm.

Size

Hyacinth bulbs may range in size, typically from 12 to 16 cm wide. Specialty growers may develop larger bulbs for show and hybridizing purposes. The UK newspaper the Telegraph reported a hyacinth cultivator in Britain growing bulbs as big as an onion. These same highly desirable bulbs demand the lofty price of 40 British pounds each.

Care

Hyacinth bulbs require a cooling period in order to bloom. In areas that have a cold winter season, bulbs can be planted in the fall to remain dormant over winter. Plant three to four bulbs per square foot for best results, at a depth of about three times their height. For indoor blooming or planting outdoors in warm weather climates, provide potted bulbs a cool resting place at an even 40 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 14 weeks before gradually introducing the potted bulbs to warmer air.

Caution

One benefit to planting hyacinth bulbs in your garden is that critters who normally snack on spring bulb bloomers will be disappointed. Oxalic acid, a mild toxin, is present in hyacinth bulbs, making them distasteful to garden predators. Be aware that the toxin can irritate hands, so wear gloves during handling and planting. Also, keep pets and children away from these bulbs and blooms, which can induce sickness if any part is ingested.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Bulb Basics
• Colorado State University Extension: Propagation of Bulbs
• Van Bourgondien Dutch Bulbs Company: Blue Hyacinth Blend

Resources

• Telegraph UK: World's Largest Collection of Rare Hyacinths Bursts into Bloom