All you need to know about growing and caring for hyacinths, both in spring borders and indoor displays.
Hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) are fragrant, easy-to-grow spring bulbs. They flower in a range of colours, from traditional purple and pink to white, and even mauve. Plant hyacinths at the front of garden borders for a spring display, or in pots for a fragrant splash of colour nearer the house. Hyacinths can also be forced for indoor Christmas displays.
Hyacinth bulbs are a popular choice for forcing indoors in glass vases Their fragrant blooms and bright colors herald the arrival of spring. Forcing hyacinth bulbs to bloom in water is an easy and fun project. With a few simple supplies, you can enjoy the sight and scent of hyacinth flowers in your home as early as January or February.
Selecting Bulbs
When selecting bulbs for forcing choose large firm bulbs without signs of mold or damage. The bulb’s size correlates to the size of the bloom it will produce. Larger bulbs yield bigger, fuller flower spikes. Popular hyacinth bulb varieties like Delft Blue, Blue Jacket, and Pink Pearl are widely available from online and retail sources.
Supplies Needed
- Hyacinth bulbs
- Glass vase or jar
- Pebbles or marbles
- Water
The vase should be short and wide enough to support the bulb. Tall narrow vases are prone to tipping once the bulb sprouts leaves and a heavy flower spike. Look for cylindrical shapes rather than tapered. Glass is ideal for watching the roots develop, but any clear vessel will work.
Pebbles, marbles, or beads keep the bulb suspended above the water line. They should be large enough not to slip down into the vessel’s neck.
Planting Steps
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Fill the vase about 1/3 full with pebbles
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Set the bulb on top, pointed end up. The bottom 1/2 to 1/3 of the bulb should be submerged in water.
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Add more pebbles around the bulb to hold it in place with the tip poking out.
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Fill the vase with water just below the bottom of the bulb.
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Place the vase in a cool, dark location between 40-50°F for 12-14 weeks. A refrigerator vegetable drawer works perfectly.
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Check the water level weekly and add more as needed to keep the bottom of the bulb moist but not submerged.
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Once the bulbs have rooted and sprouted an inch or two, move them to a sunny window.
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Turn the vase frequently to encourage even growth.
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Enjoy the blooms for 2-3 weeks before they fade.
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After flowering, discard the bulbs or plant them outdoors. Forced bulbs rarely reflower indoors.
Hyacinth bulbs forcing in glass vases. Credit: Teresa Woodard
Tips for Success
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Keep bulbs cool and moist for best root growth. Warmth encourages leaves to sprout before roots establish.
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Gradually increase light levels to prevent floppy, leggy growth.
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Rotate the vase to promote upright, even blooming.
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Display hyacinths out of direct sunlight to prolong the blooms.
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Top off water as needed to keep roots submerged.
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Mix hyacinth colors for a colorful spring display.
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Add a few drops of vodka or floral preservative to the water to deter algae growth.
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Avoid drafts from heating and cooling vents which can cause bud drop.
After Flowering
Once forced hyacinths finish blooming indoors, the bulbs have expended their energy and will not flower well again. You have a couple options:
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Compost – Discard spent bulbs in your compost bin or discard with household waste. Do not place them in garden beds or compost piles where animals could eat them. All parts of the hyacinth plant contain toxins that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested by humans or pets. Handle bulbs with gloves and keep them away from children and animals.
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Replant outside – You can try replanting bulbs outside in the fall. Cut off the faded flower stalks but leave the leaves intact. Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches deep and 6 inches apart in a sunny or partly shaded spot. Some may recover enough to rebloom the following spring or in subsequent years but many forced bulbs lack the stored energy for success in the garden.
Extend the Season
Stagger planting dates to enjoy hyacinths over a longer window:
- October – Bloom in late January/early February (14 weeks)
- November – Bloom in February (12 weeks)
- December – Bloom in March (10 weeks)
- January – Bloom in April (8 weeks)
Pre-chilled hyacinth bulbs streamline the process but you’ll pay a premium for them. Order prepared bulbs a month before your desired bloom time.
For the widest selection and best pricing, plant untreated bulbs yourself in fall. Late October or November planting will yield flowers around Valentine’s Day.
Fun With Hyacinths
Beyond vases, consider these creative ways to showcase forced hyacinth bulbs:
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Display bulbs in glass canning jars, bowls, or water-tight planters.
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Mass together different colors for a springtime meadow effect.
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Combine bulbs with branches, LED lights, or floating candles for seasonal centerpieces.
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Tuck bulbs into decorative baskets lined with plastic wrap or watertight liners.
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Plant in wide, shallow bowls and use as table decor.
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Give potted bulbs as gifts for birthdays and holidays.
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Use forced bulbs to scent lamp rings or sachets.
History & Meaning
Hyacinths originated in the eastern Mediterranean and were prized in ancient Greek culture. Their botanical name Hyacinthus honors the mythological Greek youth Hyacinthus who was struck down by the god Zephyrus. Legend claims hyacinth flowers sprang up where his blood spilled on the ground.
The name hyacinth carries connotations of rebirth, spring, purity, and sorrow. Their rich fragrance and bright hues have inspired art, stories, and celebrations for centuries.
Forcing hyacinth bulbs to bloom indoors lets anyone enjoy a bit of floral magic at the end of winter. It’s an inexpensive project that yields an abundance of joy. Follow the simple steps above and soon you’ll have beautiful, scented blooms to herald the coming spring.
How to plant hyacinths
Its a good idea to wear gloves when planting hyacinth bulbs, as they can irritate the skin.
Growing outdoor hyacinths:
- Plant the bulbs in autumn, ideally in a sunny spot in moist but well-drained soil.
- Prepare the soil by removing weeds and dig to reduce compaction if necessary, then add organic matter such as well-rotted animal manure or compost.
- Plant the bulbs at a depth of around 10cm, and 8cm apart.
- Cover with soil and gently firm around them. Water the soil if its dry.
Growing hyacinths in pots:
- Plant hyacinths in peat-free multi-purpose compost, around 5cm apart.
- For long-term displays use a loam-based compost such as John Innes No.2, and plant the bulbs further apart, as you would if planting them in the ground.
- Add an annual dressing of slow-release fertiliser to help keep the display looking its best.
When to plant hyacinth bulbs
Plant hyacinth bulbs in autumn, typically from September to November. However, you can usually get away with planting hyacinths up to Christmas, but you may find they flower later than they would normally.
For Christmas hyacinths indoors, plant the bulbs around 13 weeks beforehand, around the last week of September. For guaranteed Christmas blooms, plant three batches, each at weekly intervals, so if one batch goes over there will be two more in the sidelines ready to flower on the big day.
Here, Monty Don explains how to force hyacinths for Christmas:
To force hyacinths into flowering youll need to cover them for a while. You can cover them with an old blanket, some straw or a thick newspaper, and store them in a shed or garage where they will remain cool (9ºC is ideal), for up to 10 weeks. Check them regularly and give them another light watering if the compost feels dry.
Once the shoots have grown, bring your hyacinths indoors to a bright, cool spot such as a windowsill. Take care not to put them near a heat source such as a radiator, as they can grow too quickly and topple over. Water as and when you need to, typically when the compost starts to feel dry. Once indoors, your hyacinths should take only three weeks to flower.
Aldi Find of the Week. Hyacinth Bulbs in Glass vase $2.99
FAQ
What do you do with hyacinth bulbs after flowering in a glass vase?
After the flowers have wilted, allow the foliage to turn yellow and wither. Let the foliage dry completely while maintaining water level.
How do you care for a hyacinth in a glass vase?
Place the vase in a spot that gets bright, indirect light and out of reach of pets. Periodically change out the water and keep the level at the base of the bulb. Give the vase a quarter turn every day to keep the plant growing straight up.
How to make hyacinth last longer in a vase?
Here’s how to keep cut hyacinths fresh and vibrant in a vase: Fill the vase with lukewarm water and change it every 2-3 days. Hyacinths are thirsty flowers, so make sure they have enough water to prevent wilting. Before placing your hyacinths in water, cut about 1 inch off the stems at a diagonal angle.