Many gardeners plant hyacinths because they are relatively easy to grow and produce beautiful, showy flowers in the spring. To grow hyacinth bulbs, however, there are a few things that a gardener should keep in mind. Choosing quality flower bulbs is important, for example. Hyacinth bulbs should also be planted in well-draining soil and direct sunlight. They should also be planted at a certain time of year.
Before you begin growing hyacinth bulbs, you must first choose quality, healthy bulbs. Many times, spring flowering bulbs can be found at nurseries, or in the garden section of many large retail stores. When choosing hyacinth flower bulbs, be sure to inspect them closely before purchasing them.
Hyacinth bulbs should be firm, with no soft or mushy spots, which can indicate possible rot or disease. In this case, these types of bulbs may also have an undesirable, or rotten, odor. Also, try to avoid bulbs that seem to be overly dry. Many gardening experts recommend purchasing the largest healthy bulbs. As a general rule of thumb, larger bulbs will typically yield larger blooms.
Choosing a good spot to plant your hyacinth bulbs is also important. Well-draining soil is essential, since it helps prevent water from pooling around the bulb and roots, which can cause root rot. Hyacinth bulbs should never be planted in overly wet or swampy areas because of this. Light, somewhat sandy soil is typically ideal. Additionally, although hyacinths can be grown in shady areas, experts recommend planting them in a sunny spot for the best results.
Timing is also important when planting hyacinth bulbs. In climates with a cold winter season, these bulbs should be planted around three weeks before the ground begins to freeze, which is usually sometime in the early fall. spring flowering bulbs need this cold, or dormant, season to properly develop. In warmer climates, gardeners can place the bulbs in the refrigerator prior to putting them in the soil in late autumn.
When it is time to plant your hyacinth bulbs, always remember to plant them with the pointed end facing up and at the correct depth. Six inches (15 cm) is typically considered to be an ideal depth. Bulbs planted at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart will also usually grow a little better, since the plants can become overcrowded if planted any closer together. This can result in stunted growth of some plants.
Maintaining hyacinths is relatively easy, especially in areas with a cold winter. An occasional watering is usually all that is needed, and this should only be done in extremely dry weather conditions, such as a drought. In warm climates, it may be necessary to remove from the bulbs from the soil after the flowers have bloomed. These should then be stored in the refrigerator for about three months before being replanted.