Plant Guide: Hyacinthus

Sweetly scented hyacinths are hugely popular, both in the garden and in pots. In the garden they look best when a whole bed is planted in a single colour. They are grown commercially on a large scale, not only as cut flowers but also in pots. The flower stems are 15–30 cm tall, and flower colour ranges through various shades of blue, light and dark pink, to white, cream and yellow. The individual florets sit densely packed on the stem, forming a compact flower spike.

The bulbs usually flower best in their first year; in the second year and afterwards they produce fewer, looser flower spikes. Some people with sensitive skin experience irritation when handling hyacinth bulbs, so wear gloves if you think you might be affected.

Varieties The so-called Dutch hybrids are the most popular; numerous varieties are available at garden centres and through mail-order companies. Blue shades range from deep purple to delicate porcelain blue; pink shades include deep rose-red, salmon and light pink. Besides white varieties there are also forms with cream and bright yellow flowers. Some varieties have flowers with a lighter centre or a darker streak on the petals, giving them a bicoloured appearance.

Roman hyacinths — H. orientalis albulus — have smaller flowers that sit less densely on the stem; multiflora varieties have been treated so that each bulb produces several loose flower clusters. Thanks to their delicate form, they are very well suited to pots.

Cynthella hyacinths are miniature forms about 15 cm tall, usually sold as a colour mixture.

GROWING CONDITIONS

Position Both in sun and in partial shade, but not in deep shade.

Location Grow hyacinths indoors in pots and on hyacinth glasses; in tubs and pots outdoors and in the border. Make sure the soil is well-draining.

GROWING

Planting Plant the bulbs from early to mid-autumn, 15 cm deep and 20 cm apart. After planting, apply a mulch layer of compost or well-rotted cow manure.

Feeding Apply some fertiliser after flowering. Watering is usually not needed in beds and borders, but bulbs in pots must be kept moist during the growing season.

Problems Hyacinths are not particularly prone to pests and diseases, although the bulbs can rot if conditions are too wet. Specially prepared bulbs often fail to flower indoors if they haven't had the correct cold, dark period after planting.

FLOWERING

Season From late winter to mid-spring. For hyacinths flowering at Christmas, you need to use specially "forced" bulbs and plant them in September.

Cutting If you change the water daily, hyacinths stay fresh in water for about a week.

AFTER FLOWERING

Care Cut off spent flower stems and keep watering and feeding until the foliage starts to yellow and die back.

HYACINTHS IN POTS

General Hyacinths in pots make a wonderful substitute for cut flowers and are a lovely gift. You can bring them into flower in the depths of winter, when their scent and colour are most welcome.

Outdoors If you want to grow hyacinths outdoors, use a pot at least 15 cm deep so you can add a layer of compost at the bottom. Cover the bulbs with a 10 cm layer of compost. After planting, water generously so the compost is thoroughly moist, and place the pot somewhere that gets at least half a day of sun. Only water again once the compost feels dry or once green shoot tips appear. Once the flower buds show colour, bring the pots indoors. After flowering, cut off the spent stems and water as needed until the foliage dies back.

Indoors If you're growing hyacinths indoors, use a pot 10–15 cm deep, but set the bulbs so they are just covered by the compost. (In pots without drainage holes, you can use a special bulb mix instead of potting soil.) Water after planting, let the pot drain, and then place it somewhere cool and dark. You can put the pot in a dark bin bag in a shed, cold frame, or similar spot at a temperature of around 4°C. Check occasionally for green shoot tips. Once these appear (usually after 10–12 weeks) and are 2.5–5 cm tall, move the pot into the light and gradually increase the amount of light as the shoots turn greener. Give as much sunlight as possible once the buds appear.

On a hyacinth glass Hyacinths can also be grown on a special glass or earthenware vase with a narrow neck. Sometimes you can buy a purpose-made pot, usually plastic, with a segmented top so the bulb sits securely in place. Fill the hyacinth vase with water almost to the rim. Choose a bulb of the right size and set it on top of the rim of the vase so its base rests in the water. Place the vase somewhere cool and dark and leave it there until plenty of roots have formed and the flower bud becomes visible. Then move the vase into the light. These bulbs will not flower a second time, so it's best to discard them after flowering.

AT A GLANCE

Sweetly scented, compact flower spikes, ideal indoors and out. Hardy.

Recommended varieties: 'Amsterdam', 'Anna Marie', 'Blue Giant', 'City of Haarlem', 'Gipsy Queen', 'Jan Bos', 'L'Innocence', 'Lord Balfour', 'Mont Blanc', 'Queen of the Pinks'