How to grow Common Hyacinth

After blooming, it’s important to allow the plants to grow until the leaves die off. The leaves send energy to the bulbs for next years’ blooms. To remove the dead plant, either snip them off at the base, or twist the leaves while pulling lightly.

Hyacinths are not normally grown from seed, as it will take a few years for the bulb to grow big enough to flower. It ids easier to purchase bulbs ready to plant, as they will flower again next spring for a few years

Hyacinth bulbs are planted in the fall. Plant bulbs a few weeks before the ground freezes. This gives the bulb time to establish a root system. Plant Hyacinth 6-8 inches deep. Space plants six inches apart. They can be planted singly, in rows, or in groups. For full development, do not overcrowd them

Hyacinths do well in pots and window boxes outside.

For indoor bulbs, plant ‘prepared’ bulbs, that have been conditioned to grow inside for Christmas. Stat these off in the dark and bring into the light when the leaves are about 4 to 5 cm long

Hyacinths will grow well in shade to full sun, but do best in bright sunlight.

Hyacinth flowers size may decline after the first year, therefore, some gardeners treat hyacinth as annuals and plant fresh bulbs each fall.²

If you grow hyacinths inside the first bloom time, plant them out side when they have finished flowering. Your display will not be as good as the first year but it will add to your garden for a few more season

These estimates for how long Common hyacinth takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world.

The botanical epithet is from the Latin orientalis meaning “eastern”

Hyacinths are often associated with rebirth.

Garden hyacinth, Dutch hyacinth, hyacinth

Hyacinthus orientalis L.

¹ http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/garden-hyacinth.aspx

² www.theflowerexpert.com/content/growingflowers/growingflowers/hyacinth