What Are the Best Tips for Planting Hyacinths?

Hyacinth is a plant with thin, green leaves that produces clusters of fragrant flowers. The blooms can be found in a variety of colors, including white, pink, red, purple, and blue. Fall is the best time for planting hyacinths, in order to give the plant time to grow and be ready to bloom in the spring. Hyacinth grows best in loose soil that is well-drained and rich in nutrients. The bulbs should be planted in an area that receives at least partial sunlight, but full sunlight is ideal.

The best time for planting hyacinths is in the fall, before the ground freezes. The area where they are planted must receive at least partial sunlight, but the plants will grow better if they receive full sunlight for much of the day. Hyacinths do well in cold weather as long as the temperature does not fall below 5° F (-15° C). A layer of mulch can be placed over the plants to keep them as warm as possible and protect them from harsh winter temperatures.

Garden soil should be prepared before planting hyacinths. It should be loosened or turned, and compost or manure can be mixed in. If the area does not drain well, the planting bed can be built up by 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) to improve drainage. Hyacinths grow deep roots, and each bulb should be planted in a hole that is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) deep. These holes should be spaced 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) apart in order to give the plants enough room to grow.

The hyacinth bulbs should be placed firmly in each hole with the rounded side of the bulb in contact with the soil at the bottom. Planting hyacinths at equal depths will ensure that the plants bloom at the same time. After the bulbs are placed in the holes, they should be covered with soil and then watered deeply. As the plants begin growing, they must be watered on a regular basis.

With proper care, hyacinths should bloom in the spring. The flowers are generally very fragrant and colorful. After the plant completes the blooming period, the leaves should be left intact. When they begin to yellow during the summer months they can be cut back. The plant will then remain dormant until the following spring, when it will bloom again if properly cared for.