Hyacinths are generally split between two areas, Prepared Hyacinths for growing in pots and Bedding Hyacinths for outdoor gardens and containers.
Planting Instructions
Hyacinths are generally reliable, robust and are best grown in well cultivated, well drained soil.
Hyacinths Grown Outdoors
Outdoor plantings should be 10cm (4 inches) deep with 8cm (3inches) spacing apart. Outdoor plantings normally flower during March/April and may need staking to prevent them flopping over in heavy rain fall.
Hyacinths planted in outdoor containers should have pieces of clay pot or gravel placed in the bottom of the containers with a drainage hole, always use good quality free draining soil and plant 10cm (4 inches) deep. Bulbs in containers can be planted 3cm (1 inch) apart to 10cm (4 inches) apart. Place containers in a sunny site and water during dry periods to avoid stunted flower growth.
Hyacinths Grown Indoors
Hyacinths can cause skin irritation, so we suggest using gloves. Select a good quality bulb fibre or soil based compost (good texture, moisture retentive but free draining). Feeding will aid development but is not essential. Add a layer of compost to the bottom of your containers or pots, dampen slightly, set the bulbs on the fibre, make sure they do not touch each other, fill around the bulbs leaving about 1/3 of the bulb above the soil level.
Place the planted bulbs into a dark, cool yet well ventilated area, ideally a garage, shed etc. You can place on Danish trolles and black plastic shrink wrap all round and store in ambient temperatures. The alternative is to stand the bowls outside against a north facing wall. ensure the bulbs do not dry out, but do not saturate or leave any excess water around the bulbs.
Allow 10-12 weeks from planting for the bulbs to create the root system and develop the flower embryos.
Remove once tips appear about 2cm above the surface into a warm room, then enjoy the results of your labour.
