How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Hyacinth Bulbs
Planting
Hyacinth bulbs should be planted in the fall, six to eight weeks before the first frost. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs root end down, about 4 to 6 inches deep and 3 to 6 inches apart. Water the ground well after planting.
Light and Soil Requirements
Hyacinths prefer full sun to partial shade, with at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with good drainage.
Watering
Water the ground well after planting the bulbs. Continue watering into winter if there is no regular rain, but allow the ground to dry out between watering. Overwatering can lead to bulb rot.
Fertilizing
Feed hyacinth bulbs with a balanced fertilizer in the spring when new growth appears. You can also add a handful of bone meal or bulb food into the hole at planting time.
Overwintering
In colder climates, hyacinth bulbs may need to be overwintered. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the bulb bed or plant the bulbs an inch or two deeper at planting time to help insulate them.
Common Pests and Diseases
Hyacinth bulbs can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases, including rodents, bulb rot, and mosaic virus. To protect against rodents, throw a handful of gravel into the planting hole or use commercial rodent deterrents.
Propagating Hyacinth Bulbs
Hyacinth bulbs can be propagated by dividing the bulbs in the fall. Dig up a mature hyacinth plant and separate the bulbs into individual bulbs. Replant the bulbs immediately in well-draining soil.
Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs
Hyacinth bulbs can be forced to bloom indoors early by planting them in a container filled with well-draining potting mix. Place the container in a dark spot that remains between 33 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 10 weeks. 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. Once the plant has buds, move it to a sunny window with bright, indirect light to wait for your flowers to open.
Common Problems with Hyacinths
- Spotted Foliage: Late frosts can cause disfiguring spots on hyacinth leaves.
- Broken, Streaked Petals: Broken and streaked petals can be caused by the mosaic virus. Infected plants should be dug up and discarded.
- Small Flowers: Hyacinths may bloom less robustly with each subsequent season. Regular feeding can prolong their lifespan.
Additional Tips
- Cut down the flower stalk when this year’s blooms fade.
- Cut away the leaves when they turn yellow.
- Feed hyacinths once they bloom and again in August to give them a boost for the following spring.
- Replant hyacinths every two or three years to keep them blooming robustly.
- Protect hyacinths from rodents by interplanting them with daffodils, Siberian squill, or grape hyacinths.
- Hyacinth bulbs are toxic to humans and pets, so keep them out of reach of children and animals.
