Hyacinth Growing Information

Grow Your Own Perfume

In France, hyacinths are coveted for their heady fragrance and grown for use in the production of perfumes.  You may not choose to go into the fragrance business, but may still wish to take full advantage of this outstanding scent.

Plant hyacinths near where you will walk or sit come springtime.  Pot up several handfuls.  When the stems of colorful bells are just beginning to open, whisk the containers indoors.  Then breath deeply.  You've just grown your own home perfume.  Nice, huh?

Outdoor Beds  

1.  Find a location where the soil drains well.  If there are still water puddles 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site.  Or amend the soil with the addition of organic material to raise the level 2 - 3 inches to improve the drainage.  Peat moss, compost, ground bark or decomposed manure all work well and are widely available.

2. Site your hyacinths where they will get full day sun.   In the hottest areas, a little afternoon is appreciated.

3. Dig holes and plant the hyacinths bulbs 7-8” deep and 6” apart.  The bulbs are round, larger than a golf ball and have papery skins.  Plant them with the pointed end facing up.

4.  After planting, water hyacinths well, thoroughly soaking the area.  Roots and sprouts will form in the autumn.  Winter will bring taller growth and fragrant flowers will develop in the spring. 

5.  When in bloom, feel free to cut hyacinths flowers for small bouquets.  This will not hurt the plants and having scented blooms to bring indoors is one reason to grow hyacinths.

6.  After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off.  The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show.  Water as needed.

7.  Later in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy.  Foliage may be removed at this point.  Your hyacinths will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.

Pots, Tubs & Urns

1.  Fill your containers with good quality, well-drained soil.  Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine.  Make sure there are adequate drainage holes; hyacinths must never sit in waterlogged soil or they will rot.

2.  Site containers where they will receive full day sun.  In the hottest areas, a little afternoon is appreciated.

3.  Plant your hyacinths 7-8” deep and 4” apart for the most brilliant display.  The bulbs are round, larger than a golf ball and have papery skins.  Plant them with the pointed end facing up.

4.  After planting, water hyacinths well, thoroughly soaking the area.  Roots and sprouts will form in the autumn.  Winter will bring taller growth and flowers will develop in the spring.  Feel free to bring containers of blooming hyacinths into your home - one small pot will scent an entire room.

5.  After blooming has finished for the season leave the foliage in place; don't cut it off.  The leaves will gather sunlight and provide nourishment for next year's show.  Water as needed. 

6.  Later in the summer the leaves will yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy.  Foliage may be removed at this point.  Your hyacinths will rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.