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Hyacinth Bulb Planting Guide
Hyacinths are stunning, spring-blooming bulbs that produce gorgeous flowers with a strong, sweet, wonderful scent. Beyond their spectacular appearance, these plants are unbothered by deer, ideal for forcing into bloom along windowsills, an excellent source of nectar for butterflies, and perfect for container gardens. Discover how easy it is to plant and grow Hyacinths right here with this complete guide!
Success Snapshot

PLANTING
DEPTH
6"

WATER
QUANTITY
Moderate

SUNLIGHT
QUANTITY
Full to Partial Sun

PLANTING
PROXIMITY
4" Apart

BLOOM
SEASON
Spring

HARDINESS
ZONES
Zones 4-8
Shop Related Products

Hyacinth Sweet Berries Mix
$19.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis mixture
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth City of Harlem
$12.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'City of Haarlem'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth White Pearl
$12.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'White Pearl'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth Fondant
$12.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'Fondant'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth Fragrant Path Mix
$22.95
Contains: 20 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis mixture
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth Gypsy Queen
$12.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gypsy Queen', syn. 'Gipsy Queen'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth Blue Jacket
$12.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Jacket'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth Miss Saigon
$14.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'Miss Saigon'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Spring Breeze Blend - Anemone & Hyacinth
$23.95
Contains: 1 pack of 10 Hyacinth White Pearl bulbs and 1 pack of 20 Anemone Blanda Blue bulbs
Botanical Name: Anemone and Hyacinth
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Hyacinth Peter Stuyvesant
$9.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'Peter Stuyvesant'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Sunny Day Blend - Tulip & Hyacinth Blend
$29.95
Contains: 1 pack of 10 Hyacinth Blue Jacket bulbs and 1 pack of 10 Tulip Monte Carlo bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus and Tulipa
Exposure: Full Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: N/A

Hyacinth Jan Bos
$9.95
Contains: 10 Hyacinth bulbs
Botanical Name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'Jan Bos'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun; Bright Direct Indoors
Hardiness: Zones 4-8
Where to Plant
Hyacinths are remarkably easy to grow in both containers and outdoor gardens, desiring little more than well-drained soil and a spot that receives full-day sun. For those gardening in the hottest regions, a little afternoon shade will do just fine. If you notice puddles of water 5β6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material to raise the level 2β3 inches. While these beauties aren't particularly fussy about soil, they will not survive in soggy conditions or standing water.
When to Plant
Hyacinth bulbs should be planted sometime between mid to late fall after the first frost but before the ground freezes. Roots will begin to form shortly after planting in the autumn, with fragrant flowers emerging in the spring.
How to Plant
- For outdoor landscape planting, find a spot where the soil drains well, and your Hyacinths will receive plenty of sunlight. Dig holes and plant the bulbs 6" deep and 4" apart, with the pointed ends facing up.
- For container planting, start with good quality, well-drained potting soil, and containers with adequate drainage holes. Dig holes and plant the bulbs 6" deep and 4" apart, with the pointed ends facing up. Place your containers where they will receive plenty of sunlight.
- Water thoroughly, soaking the soil to settle it around the bulbs.
How to Grow
- Water as needed during active growth periods, with about 1β of moisture per week as a fair estimate.
- Leave the foliage in place after blooming has finished for the season. The leaves will gather sunlight to create food through photosynthesis, strengthening the bulb for the future.
- Remove the dry foliage when the leaves turn yellow and die back around early summer.
- Allow the bulbs to rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle in the spring.
Hyacinth Tips & Tricks
- Bear in mind that some people, particularly those with sensitive skin, can experience an itchy or tingly sensation when handling Hyacinth bulbs. The safest way to avoid this issue is by wearing gloves when planting the bulbs.
- Plant 10-12 bulbs in 12-15" pots, 9 bulbs in 10" pots, and 7 bulbs in 8" pots.
- Amend the soil with finely ground bark, decomposed manure, or compost to improve drainage and encourage a healthy start.
- Grow Hyacinths in a bulb vase with just water. Set the bulb in the neck of the vase with the water just barely touching the base of the bulb. Place the vase in a cool, dark place for six weeks, then move to a bright windowsill when roots and a green shoot have formed.
- Enjoy the spectacular flowers, snipping a few for bouquets, as doing so will not hurt your plants. Another option is to bring flowering containers indoors to perfume your home.