What to Do With Hyacinth Bulbs

Hyacinth blossoms add intense color and fragrance to the early spring garden.

Hyacinth blossoms add intense color and fragrance to the early spring garden. They are planted outdoors in fall, or forced into bloom indoors any time of year.

Location

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. In zones 3 through 6, plant them in well-drained soil in full sun. In warmer zones they need partial shade to keep the bulbs cool in the heat of summer.

Planting

Plant hyacinth bulbs in fall when the temperature of the soil is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Dig the holes 5 to 6 inches deep in warmer climates and 6 to 8 inches deep in the colder parts of their range. Space the bulbs 4 to 6 inches apart. The pointed end of the bulb faces up.

Forcing

Force hyacinths to bloom indoors any time of year.

Hyacinth bulbs forced to bloom indoors need a chilling period of 10 to 13 weeks. Place the bulbs in the refrigerator, or pot them and place the pots in the refrigerator. Plant the bulbs in sterile potting medium with the pointed tip of the bulb even with the top of the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, you may pot a single bulb in a 4-inch pot and three bulbs in a 6-inch pot. In larger pots, plant as many bulbs as will fit with the sides of the bulbs touching.

References

• North Carolina Cooperative Extension: Home Forcing of Hyacinths
• National Gardening Association: Hyacinth
• Floridata: Hyacinthus orientalis