Hyacinth Bulb Care – Information On Growing Hyacinth Bulbs

INFORMATION ABOUT COMMON HYACINTH…

Image by Ryan Somma Common hyacinth is one of the most fragrant of the spring time flowering bulbs and because of this it is a favorite of gardeners everywhere. They are very easy to grow and require very little care. It is in the Liliaceae (Lily) family of flowers but is sometimes referred to being in its own family called the Hyacinthaceae family and is native to the Mediterranean region but now-a-days can be found growing in gardens all over the world.

The hyacinth was named after Hyakinthos from Greek mythology. Supposedly after being mortally injured a flower grew from his spilled blood. This flower was a hyacinth and was promptly named after him. The flower is also commonly associated with rebirth in artwork and poetry.

Common hyacinths come in a large choice of colors and shades including, blue, white, red, pink, yellow, orange and purple. The flowers grow in a cluster of star-shaped florets on an erect stem with succulent pointed leaves. They grow to be about eight or ten inches tall and are hardy in zones 3 through 8 on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Some of the common varieties planted are the Atlantic (blue) Amethyst (mauve) Amsterdam (red) Anna Marie (pink) Gypsy Queen (orange) White Pearl (white) and City of Haarlem which is yellow.

Common hyacinth prefers a location with full sun but can tolerate a light shaded area as well. When planted in full sun, your hyacinth’s bloom time will be shorter due to the hot sun but your bulb will be healthier and return year after year. When common hyacinth is planted in a shaded area, you will experience a longer blooming period but your bulb may act as an annual and not come back again.

Plant bulbs in the fall for a spring showing in rich well-draining soil with about 4 inches of soil above their heads and leave five to six inches between bulbs. Water when necessary during the growing season but be aware that too much water can cause your hyacinth bulbs to rot and decay.

After your common hyacinth has lost its bloom, allow the foliage to die back and turn yellow before cutting. This is what feeds your bulb and gives it the energy needed to return the following spring.

To propagate your bulbs, (increase in numbers) simply dig up your mature bulbs after they have gone dormant, in late summer or early autumn. Remove the little offshoots that are growing off the side of your bulbs and transplant these to a new location. Your little bulblets will take approximately two or three years to grow flowers of their own.

Common hyacinth looks wonderful when planted en mass or singly in a mixed flower bed. They make a terrific border plant and can also be used in rock or container gardens.

Common hyacinth can be forced to bloom indoors under glass for a winter showing.