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How to Grow Hyacinths

Hyacinths are one of the most beautiful and fragrant of flowers, and they are available in many varieties and colours such as pinks, blues, yellows and shades of white.  There is sure to be a variety for everyone’s liking. Their unique shape will revitalise and become a point of interest in any garden. When planted in clusters they can create a beautiful focal point.

They naturally flower in spring, but can be forced over winter to provide a great Christmas display or just to help brighten up your home in the darker days.  When it has finished flowering the plant can be planted outside.

If you are planning to force your hyacinths, then check out our advice article on How To Force Bulbs, for a step by step guide. If growing inside, the bulbs can be transferred outside after they have flowered and the leaves have died back, creating a stunning display next spring.

Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous due to containing oxalic acid and can cause a mild skin irritation so ensure you wear gloves when handling.

If planting in a flower bed they prefer well drained soil, and often do best when situated towards the front of the bed.

In this article, we have decided to plant in containers to keep at the front door so the wonderful aroma will come in to our homes with the wind, but this method can also be applied to planting in beds and borders; follow our step by step guide for healthy Hyacinths below.

Step 1

Ensure your Hyacinths bulbs are healthy and free from rot; select a large pot or container as you want to plant more than one bulb for maximum affect. Make sure the pot has a hole in the bottom and will look good when the plants have flowered.

Step 2

Add a layer of Westland Potting Grit at the bottom of the pot to help with drainage and cover with a layer of Westland Bulb Planting Compost as it will retain moisture and keep your bulbs hydrated while ensuring the roots won’t become water logged.

Place the bulbs on the compost making sure the bulbs do not touch each other, or the sides of the pot as the bulbs will swell over time.

Step 3

Add more of the speciality compost on top of the bulbs filling in so they are completely covered then firming it in gently.

Water thoroughly allowing the bulbs to settle in. You can also add moss to the top layer to make the pot more visually pleasing at this point.

Step 4

Protect your potted Hyacinths – if the weather becomes too cold and frost appears, then move the pot in to a cool dark place, a garage or garden shed.

For further planting advice take a look at our advice articles on Planting Bulbs in Containers, How To Grow Daffodils and How To Create Stunning Spring Bulb Displays.

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