How to Plant & Grow

Hyacinths

Highly fragrant, colourful, attractive… what’s not to love about Hyacinths? This ever-popular spring bloom will transform any seasonal garden display, or you can grow prepared bulbs indoors for a spectacular Indoor display, or even as a Christmas centrepiece if you plant them at the right time.

 

If you’ve ordered our Hyacinth bulbs for the first time, or simply need a reminder on how to care for them and plant them, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get started!

How Supplied

Our bulbs will be delivered fresh and healthy. There should be firm, not soft. Some bulbs may arrive with slight mould patches, but this is completely normal and can be brushed off. If you suspect that your bulbs are faulty, do not hesitate to get in touch. 

 

Once your bulbs arrive, take them out of their packaging (including bags) and lay them out on newspaper so they can breathe. This is so they don’t excessively sweat in their containers, ruining the bulbs. Leave somewhere cool and dry until it’s time to plant them.

What We've Included

When to Plant   |   How to Plant   |   Where to Plant   |   When will they flower

|   After Care   |   Common Issues   |    Inspiration

When to Plant 

Our Hyacinth bulbs will be delivered fresh and healthy. They should be firm, not soft. Some bulbs may arrive with slight mould patches, but this is completely normal and can be brushed off. If you suspect that your bulbs or corms are faulty, do not hesitate to get in touch.

Outdoor bulbs
Outdoor Hyacinth bulbs can be planted throughout autumn. This can be anytime between September to December.

 

Indoor bulbs
Our prepared Hyacinths are temperature treated, which can delay their delivery compared to other bulbs until September. These bulbs can be planted from September. If you want them to bloom in time for Christmas, then it’s recommended that you plant them around 13 weeks before the big day. 

 

Once your bulbs arrive, take them out of their packaging and lay out in a box so they can breathe. Put into a paper or mesh bag for storing. This is so they don’t excessively sweat in their containers, ruining the bulbs.

How to Plant

Before planting Hyacinths, we advise you to wear gloves as these bulbs can irritate the skin. This skin irritation can be easily treated by washing the area with soap and water. 

Borders
1. Ensure your soil is well-drained before planting.
2. Dig a hole that’s wide enough to fit the bulb comfortably and at least 10cm deep. 
3. Space each bulb apart by around 7.5cm. 

4. Pop each bulb into the hole, pointed side up.

5. Cover with soil and pat down. Water if the soil is dry.

 

Containers 

For a full container display, plant around 4-5 bulbs in a container (depending on the size).

 

1. Fill the pot with any multi-purpose compost until there’s around 10cm of space between the soil and the top of the container. 
2. Place your bulbs on top of the soil, about 7.5cm apart. 
3. Cover with the compost to the top of the pot. Break up any lumps as you go. 
4. Gently press the soil so that it’s nice and flat. 

5. Make sure you place your pot on feet to allow the moisture from the pot to escape. 

 

Indoors

Our prepared Hyacinth’s are far easier to grow for your convenience. The preparation process tricks the bulbs into thinking the winter season has been and gone, allowing them to flower earlier.

 

Plant in a pot that has holes for better drainage.

 

1. Add crocks to the bottom of a pot or container.

2. Plant the bulbs (pointed end up) in peat-free soil, around 10cm deep.

3. Add more soil until it reaches the neck of the bulbs. Press the soil down firmly.

4. Place your pot in a cool, dark cupboard for 6-8 weeks.

5. Water when required, only when the soil feels dry. Do not let them dry out.

6. Once shoots have established, bring the pot into warm daylight.

Watch Our Videos On How to Plant Hyacinths

Watch: How to Plant Bedding Hyacinths

Watch: How to Plant Top Size Hyacinths

Where to Plant

Outdoor hyacinth bulbs can be best enjoyed when planted in containers and displayed on patios or decking. Their fragrant blooms will be a delight when kept near doors and windows.

 

Position your hyacinths in areas that are exposed to some sunlight. They will struggle to grow in complete shade but can handle partially shaded areas.

 

If you worry about a lack of sunlight exposure in your garden, flowerpots can be incredibly helpful. Simply move them to wherever the sun is positioned!

When will they Flower?

As we’ve mentioned, there are two types of Hyacinths Outdoor and indoor flowering varieties flower at different times, as indoor hyacinths are forced to flower in winter. 

 

Spring Flowering Hyacinths
Having planted your bulbs outdoors in autumn, you should expect to see them appear from mid-spring. This could be anywhere between March and April. 

 

Indoor Flowering Hyacinths
Forced hyacinth bulbs should flower from December through to January, depending on when you started the flowering process. These blooms are perfect for indoor displays, as their rich fragrance and bright colours will dazzle the senses. 

After Care

When to water
As long as the soil is moist, there’s no need to water these flowers too often. As the spring season in Britain is usually quite damp, the rain will water them for you! If we’re having an abnormally dry season, then you can water them once the soil feels dry but be careful not to waterlog the soil as it will ruin the bulbs. What to do once they’ve finished blooming.

 

Cutting for the Vase

Outdoor flowers can also be cut and make a spectacular long-lasting and fragrant flower display. As with all cut flowers keep the water in the vase topped up as these flowers have thirsty stems.

 

Deadheading 

Deadheading can help redirect the bulb’s energy into creating a new flower once the other one has wilted. It also helps to keep the flower bed looking tidy and uniform whilst the others are still in bloom.  Simply cut the spent flower with clean shears, leaving part of the stem. 

Storing tips

It’s important to know when and why you should lift and store Hyacinths. Although they will reflower each year when kept in the ground, you can lift and store them for peace of mind.

 

1. Wait until the plant has died down and has reached a straw colour (often yellow). 
2. Dig up the area they’re planted gently. Try not to damage the bulbs in the process.

3. Brush off any remnants of soil and dirt gently and leave them to dry out on sheets of newspaper in a dark room for around 3 days. 

4. Store in mesh or paper bags in a cool, dry and dark room until it’s time to replant them in autumn. 

What to do once they’ve finished blooming

Outdoor Hyacinths:
Caring for outdoor hyacinths once they’ve finished blooming is quite straightforward. Once the blooms have wilted and died, deadhead them, leaving the stem. They will then die back completely after storing enough energy for the following year.

 

Indoor Hyacinths:
As your indoor bulbs start to die down after flowering, they will begin to wilt. Once they are entirely dead, trim the stem down to the bulb. Be careful not to hit the bulb when trimming. You can then replant these bulbs outdoors in time for them to flower in spring. 

Common Issues and How to Solve Them

Unsupported blooms

Sometimes, because the flowers of hyacinths are quite tall and heavy, they have been known to topple over. This can be due to excess heat. Ensure that where you display your hyacinths is cool, away from a heat source. 

 

Struggling to reflower

After the third or fourth year, your hyacinths may sometimes experience a lacklustre flowering. To help them regrow properly the following year, leave them to die back naturally before cutting them back and feed the soil some natural bulb fertiliser.

Want to Know even more about Hyacinths?

Take a look at our helpful blogs

When to Plant Hyacinth Bulbs

How to Plant Hyacinth Bulbs

How to Plant: Indoor Hyacinths

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