Hyacinth Growing Guide

Hyacinthus orientalis

Hyacinth

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Average garden soil with excellent drainage.

Position

Full sun in spring, partial dry shade in summer.

Frost tolerant

Excellent. Most large-flowered hyacinths are hardy to -32C (-25F).

Feeding

Topdress with rich compost when new growth appears. Fertilise established clumps with a balanced organic fertiliser in the autumn.

Companions

Showy and fragrant, hyacinths make great feature flowers in the spring garden. Their naturally upright posture gives them a formal demeanour. Planting hyacinths behind daylilies or other summer-blooming perennials hides the fading foliage from view.

Spacing

Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 10cm (3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out dormant bulbs the autumn. Cover the bulbs to four times their depth with loose soil. Plant in groups of three or more bulbs.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Hyacinths can be interplanted with daffodils and tulips, and they are not difficult to force into bloom in pots. Blue is the strongest colour, but many others are available.

Harvesting

Cut hyacinths to use as cut flowers when two to three of the lowest florets have opened. The remaining florets will continue to open indoors for several days. As the flowers fade in the garden, trim them off with scissors or secateurs.

Troubleshooting

Hyacinths bloom well for only one or two seasons in warm climates with mild winters. When hyacinths are handled as perennials in cold climates, flower size tends to decrease over time. Hyacinth bulbs require 6-8 weeks in a refrigerator before planting out in warmer areas. Hyacinths are best treated as annuals in warmer areas.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Hyacinth