Hyacinth bulbs welcome spring with color and fragrance.
The perfume of blooming hyacinths is as symbolic of early spring as lilacs are to the late-spring garden.
Hyacinth plants consist of chubby succulent leaves arranged around a central flower spike.
Florets pack the flower column in tight clusters.
The double forms have rosettelike flowers that add intriguing texture.
Hyacinths thrive in any well-drained soil in full to partial sun.
Fragrant hyacinths unfurl their colorful flowers in early spring,perfuming the gardenfor two weeks or more.
The sweet, spicy scent of these spring bulbs is pleasing to gardeners but seems toturn deer away.
Hyacinth bulbs are toxic to humansand animals.
They don’t tolerate irrigated garden beds well.
Choose a location with well-draining soil andfull sunor partial shade.
Plant these large bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.
Be sure to wear gloves when planting hyacinths; the bulbs can irritate skin.
Position the bulb so the pointed part is closest to the soil surface.
This is where the shoots emerge.
After planting, water the bulbs well and cover them with a 2-inch layer of mulch.
Temperature and Humidity
Hyacinths prefer the cool temperatures of early spring.
Cool temperatures also extend the bloom time of hyacinths growing indoors.
For the amount to use, follow product label directions.
After the foliage dies and turns brown, cut it back to the ground, but not before.
Plant hyacinth bulbs in a shallow container with drain holes and filled with quality potting soil.
The top of the bulb should be even with the top of the container.
Generally, hyacinths bloom three to four weeks after they are removed from cold storage.
Discard the bulbs at the end of the season.
Bulbs mites can become a problem when damaged bulbs are planted.
The best solution is to closely examine each bulb before planting and discard those that display damage.
Squirrels, voles, and chipmunks are known to occasionally dig up and eat hyacinth bulbs.
Replant the mature bulbs in the same location.
The plant grows 8-12 inches tall.
The plant grows 12 inches tall.
It grows 12 inches tall.
The variety grows 8-12 inches tall.
Zones 4-8
‘Peter Stuyvesant’ Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis’Peter Stuyvesant' produces deep blue-purple flowers in early spring.
This variety grows 12 inches tall.
The plant grows 8-10 inches tall.
It grows 8-12 inches tall.
Zones 4-9
Hyacinth Companion Plants
Plant drifts of hyacinths alongside other spring bulbs.
Lofty daffodils and tulips are good planting companions.
Most hyacinths bloom in early spring.
Plant groups of 10 to 15 hyacinth bulbs for a punch of color amid low-growing plants.
Don’t be afraid to combine flower colorshyacinths are available in nearly every shade of the rainbow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hyacinths bloom only once a year but that bloom lasts three to four weeks.
They will continue to bloom once each year when they receive proper care.
Deadhead the bloom after it fades, but leave the foliage to die back on its own schedule.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Hyacinths.
