There’s still time to plant hyacinth bulbs – in fact, they like a cooler ground, just like tulips. Any time up to early June is fine. And, like tulips, hyacinth bulbs are best chilled in the fridge for a few weeks before planting to promote strong root and flower growth.
Plant bulbs about 10cm deep in free-draining soil in full sun. Once growth emerges, feed with bulb food.
If you prefer to grow your hyacinths indoors, plant in a hyacinth vase instead. They’re cheap to buy and available pretty much everywhere – even an ordinary glass vase with a narrow neck is suitable.
Place a decent-sized bulb in the neck of your hyacinth vase and fill the vase with water to just below the bulb. Add a quarter teaspoon of cut flower food to provide nutrients as the bulb grows.
Place the vase in a cool, dark spot for two months. The bulbs must be kept cool to allow development of the bud inside the bulb or it won’t flower. Check weekly to ensure the water level remains just below the base of the bulb to encourage root growth.
After two months, bring the vase out into a dimly lit place. Then slowly (over a period of three weeks) bring the vase into stronger light and a warm position (not more than 18deg C).
Four to six weeks after bringing the vase out of its cool, dark spot, your flower will be in full bloom. Keep out of full sun.
This beautiful hyacinth photo comes from the marvellous Decor8 site.
