When to plant hyacinths
Plant bulbs outdoors in borders and containers in early autumn for flowering in March and April.
Prepared bulbs should be planted in September if you want blooms for Christmas flowering, as they require 10-12 weeks for good root and shoot development.
Where to plant hyacinths
Hyacinths are ideal for borders and containers, particularly close to paths or doors so you can appreciate their heady perfume. They prefer well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun if they are going to remain in one place for a few years. They will also tolerate partial shade for a one-off display, but they will bloom less well in the following years if left there.
They are fully hardy in the ground, but can be frost tender in containers in cold gardens and sever winters.
How to plant hyacinths
In borders
Plant your bulbs with their noses held high and 10cm (4in) deep. Bulbs need a minimum gap between them of 7.5cm (3in). Water after planting to settle them in.
Bulb performance and flower quality usually declines in the years after planting. This is because the spectacular flowering of fresh bulbs is due to the fertile conditions under which they are grown and post-harvest treatment that induces dense spikes of large flowers. So, for the tip-top blooms, replace each year. Alternatively, the smaller blooms still make attractive displays so either just enjoy this or supplement the display with a few new bulbs each autumn to keep it looking good.
In containers
Use any peat-free multi-purpose potting compost or make your own by mixing two-parts John Innes No. 2 compost with one-part grit or perlite to improve drainage.
- Grow several (at least three/five) bulbs in a container for bolds displays. Plant your bulbs 10cm (4in) deep and about 7.5cm (3in) apart. Raise the large container to improve drainage by placing it on ‘pot feet’ or bricks. You can protect the container from frost damage in winter by wrapping with bubble plastic
- Plant individually in 9cm (3½in) pots for growing on in a sheltered place, such as a cold frame. In spring, select those about to bloom at the same time and pot up together for indoor enjoyment
After flowering indoors, move the containers to a sheltered spot in the garden and feed as directed below to encourage flowering next year. Alternatively, tip them out and plant them in the garden in a sunny spot.
Indoor displays using ‘prepared’ bulbs
Use peat-free multipurpose compost for pots with drainage holes. Bulb fibre is better when planting containers without drainage holes (it’s designed to hold water but not get too soggy). Next, arrange the bulbs closer than 7.5cm (3in) together, but don’t allow them to touch.
You can also grow prepared bulbs in water in special clear bulb vases (available at garden centres). The water should be kept just below the bottom of the bulb but not touching it. Pieces of charcoal in the water help to keep it sweet and stop slime developing but are not essential. Place the bulb in a dark, cool place until the vase is full of roots and the flower stems emerge. Then gradually increase the amount of light and warmth. Discard the bulbs after flowering; but you can always give them a go in the garden if you want to see what happens next year.