One can start hyacinth bulb indoors once spring begins to set warmth in the climate or induce growth for setting winter flowering. Leaf through this article to learn about hyacinth bulbs planting.
Beautiful bulbous spring flowers, Hyacinthus, commonly known as hyacinth is a genus of bulbous flowering plants belonging to the family Hyacinthaceae. Native to the eastern Mediterranean region, Hyacinth is seeped in Greek mythology. It is the believed that Hyacinth, a beautiful youth was the object of affection for both; god Apollo and the West Wind, Zephyr, who was caught between their feud and was killed. To keep the youth’s memory alive, Apollo made a flower from Hyacinth’s spilled blood known as ‘hyacinth’. If you are keen to have beauty blooming in your yard, bear in mind a few tips about planting hyacinth bulbs indoors.
How to Plant Hyacinth Bulbs Indoors
Hyacinth was brought under commercial cultivation since mid 16th century. As they grew in popularity, hyacinths have caught the home gardener’s attention. With easy availability of hyacinth bulbs and different varieties such as single, double and multiflora one can enjoy these flowers right at home. Hyacinths are spring flowers, but can be forced to grow in other climates like the winter season. Forcing bulbs is a mechanism to induce plant (bulb) growth and flowering not only ahead of its natural schedule, but also out of its natural environment.
Hyacinth along with crocuses, daffodils, tulips, amaryllis, Star-of-Bethlehem, Dutch iris, etc are perfect for forced growing. Special decorative or fancy containers and pots are available to force hyacinth bulbs indoors, that also add to the aesthetic value of the flower. Forced bulbs should be planted in September for a bloom in December for winter flowering, and around mid-October for February flowering and in mid-November for spring flowering in March and April.
How to Force Hyacinth Bulbs Indoors in Soil: For planting a couple of bulbs, choose a four to five inch pot, but for several bulbs, large, ten inch pots would be ideal. One can also grow single very large bulbs in just one small pot. The pot should be shallow. There should be a good number of drainage holes in the bottom. Fill the pot two thirds full of potting mix made of equal parts potting soil, peat moss and perlite. Position the bulb half way in, and cover with some top soil. Keep the top part of the bulb exposed (grape hyacinth should be completely covered with soil). Water the pot adequately. Stand after watering to allow excess to drain out. For more than one bulb, space their position an inch apart. After planting leave the pots in a cold, dark place, at a temperature between 35º to 55 ºF. Continue watering the pot regularly because bulbs may fail to open if the soil mix becomes dry after the bulb starts growing.
Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs Indoors in Water: Hyacinths can be forced in water too, there are specific to bulb size glasses or jars. Fill the jar with water only to a point where the bottom of the bulb just touches the water, or stand the bulb on pebbles providing it with support and fill water up to the base of the bulbs. In both ways the bulbs should not come in direct contact with the water, else rot will set in the bulb. Move the pots to a sunny location like a window sill at temperature of 60º to 70 ºF. Experts do not recommend the use of bulbs forced in water for the next season, because without soil, the bulbs are forced to use all their nutrient reserves. Read more on water hyacinth care.
After planting hyacinth bulbs indoors, sit back and enjoy their beautiful blooms. After the blooming period is over, allow the plants to grow until the leaves wilt. Store bulbs in a cool dry place for next season.
