Modern hyacinths are some of the easiest-to-growperennial spring bulbs.
Hyacinths will return every year, though their flowers will diminish in vigor after a few seasons.
They are best planted in the fall and have a moderate growth rate.
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Keep them out of the reach of kids and critters as the bulbs are toxic to humans and pets.
While they’re not directly related, the plants have similar care needs and appearanceshence the shared common name.
They should be placed root end down (widest side down) about 4 to 6 inches deep.
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Give them some room to spread out by spacing them about 3 to 6 inches apart.
Cover with soil, and water well.
Light
Hyacinths likefull sunto partial shade.
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Aim to give the plants at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day.
They also do best in soil that is loose and well-drained; they will not tolerate wet soils.
Rich soil can lead to floppy stalks, so go easy on theorganic matterwhen preparing or amending the soil.
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Water
Water the ground well after you plant the bulbs.
If the bulbs sit in cool, wet soil, they will eventually rot.
Check the ground by sticking your finger in, and water only when it’s totally dry.
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Usually, this is once or twice a week, depending on your climate.
Generally speaking, about 1/2 inch of water per weekcombined irrigation and rainfallwill be sufficient for hyacinths.
But this depends on how well the soil drains.
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Temperature and Humidity
Hyacinths can be expected to survive the winter inUSDA plant hardiness zones4 to 8.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
Types of Hyacinth
Modern hyacinths come in many colors.
The bulb tip should be just above the soil line.
Place the container in a dark spot that remains between 33 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Allow it to sit there for at least 10 weeks as roots develop.
Green shoots will also start to grow.
Once the shoots grow to around an inch, start to slowly increase light and warmth.
Water to keep the soil lightly moist but never waterlogged, and avoid hitting the shoots when watering.
This will encourage the plants to store energy in their bulbs for next season.
Pruning Tip
Looking for the best pruners for your hyacinths?
We tested 8top-rated prunersin our Lab to check that your perennials stay happy and healthy.
Thus, propagating hyacinths is an activity best practiced by serious enthusiasts.
First, youll have to allow your hyacinth blooms to remain on the plant to form seed pods.
These pods will ripen from green to tan as they form small black seeds inside.
The container should be roughly 6 inches deep.
The width of the container depends on how many bulbs you are planting.
Repotting should not be necessary if you have properly spaced your bulbs.
Keep the potting medium damp but not soaking wet until the bulbs sprout.
Then, water whenever the soil dries out.
Once the bulbs have sprouted, move them to indirect sunlight.
Cool temperatures will keep them in bloom longer.
In zones 4 to 8, no winter protection should be necessary.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
All kinds of rodents will munch on hyacinth bulbs.
An easier method is to interplant themwith daffodils, which rodents tend to avoid.
Blooms can last for a few weeks, usually until the end of April and sometimes May.
What Does Hyacinth’s Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Hyacinth flowers feature long, bright green leaves and bell-shaped petals.
The blooms have a sweet floral scent that can be powerful.
Hyacinth also mix well with other spring-blooming bulbs, as they come in so many colors and sizes.
Their spiky flower stalks make a nice counterpoint tocup-shaped tulipsand ruffled daffodils.
Then, when its leaves turn yellow, cut them away as well.
Like many hybrid bulbs, hyacinths lose their vigor rather quickly.
Infected plants will need to be dug up and thrown away.
Sterilize any tools you use to do this; they, too, can spread the disease.
Small Flowers
It is normal for hyacinths to bloom less robustly with every subsequent season.
it’s possible for you to prolong their lifespan by regular feeding.
Propagating new plants by dividing mature hyacinths can keep you in blooming plants almost indefinitely.
Taller varieties can tend to flop.
Hyacinth has large, spiky petals while grape hyacinths are smaller with bell-shaped flowers.
Grape hyacinths are often naturalized in lawns or planted in large driftsnot a common method for standard hyacinths.
Grape hyacinths are dark purple-blue without the wide range of colors available with standard hyacinths.
To most rodents, hyacinths are less tasty than many other bulbs, especially tulips.
But hungry rabbits will certainly dig up and eat hyacinth bulbs.
They can then be nestled in gravel or placed into bulb-forcing jars until they bloom.
After blooming, indoor hyacinth bulbs are usually discarded.
Plants You Might Also Like
Toxic Plants.University of California.
How Can I Keep Wildlife From Eating My New Bulbs?University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension.
Flowering Persistence and Pollinator Attraction of Early-Spring Bulbs in Warm-Season Lawns.HortScience.
