Hyacinth Bulb- Hollyhock, double fragrant florets of deep pink almost red blooms Bulbs

Hyacinth Planting Guide

Grow Your Own Perfume
Hyacinth
In many parts of the world hyacinths are coveted for their heady fragrance and grown for use in the production of perfumes. You may not choose to go into the fragrance business, but may still wish to take full advantage of this outstanding scent. Plant hyacinths near where you will walk or sit come springtime. Pot up several handfuls. When the stems of colorful bells are just beginning to open, whisk the containers indoors. Then breath deeply. You’ve just grown your own home perfume. Nice, huh?

Outdoor Beds
Find a location where the soil drains well. If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site. Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2-3″ to improve the drainage. Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available. While hyacinths aren’t fussy about soil, they will not survive in soggy soil or standing water.
Site your hyacinths where they will get full day sun. In the hottest areas, a little afternoon is appreciated.
Dig holes and plant the hyacinths bulbs 7-8” deep and 6” apart. The bulbs are round, larger than a golf ball and have papery skins. Plant them with the pointed end facing up.
After planting, water hyacinths well to settle the soil around the bulbs. Roots will form in the autumn. Top growth and fragrant flowers will develop in the spring.
When in bloom, feel free to cut hyacinths flowers for small bouquets. This will not hurt the plants and having scented blooms to bring indoors is one reason to grow hyacinths.
After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don’t cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulb for the future. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1″ of moisture per week is a good estimate.
By early summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your hyacinths will rest until next spring’s show.

Pots, Barrels, Tubs & Urns
Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine. Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; hyacinths bulbs must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.
Site your containers where they will receive full sun.
Plant your hyacinths 7-8” deep and 4” apart for the most brilliant display. The bulbs are round, larger than a golf ball and have papery skins. Plant them with the pointed end facing up.
After planting, water hyacinths well to settle the soil around the bulbs. Roots will form in the autumn. Top growth and fragrant flowers will develop in the spring.
Enjoy your flowering containers, snipping a few flowers if you like. This won’t hurt your plants. Or bring just ready to flower containers inside to perfume your rooms. One small pot will scent an entire room.
After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don’t cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight, create food through photosynthesis and strengthen the bulb for the future. Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1″ per week.
By early summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy. Foliage many be removed at this point. Your hyacinths will rest until next spring’s show.

Quantity tips:
For 12-15” pots – plant 10-12
For 10” pots – plant 9
For 8” pots – plant 7
Note – some people, particularly those with sensitive skin, have an itchy or tingly reaction to handling hyacinth bulbs. If you are unsure, the safest way route is to wear gloves while planting your bulbs.