How to Grow Hyacinths: 3 Care Tips for the Vibrant Spring Flowers

There are two major categories of hyacinth plants: Hyacinthus orientalis, also known as the common hyacinth, or Dutch hyacinth, and Muscari armeniacum, commonly known as the grape hyacinth. However, although they require similar care, these plants largely differ: Common hyacinth is known as the true hyacinth, whereas the grape hyacinth, which belongs to the Muscari genus, gets its name from its resemblance to its namesake. Some varieties of true hyacinth include:

1. 1. Blue Jacket: These popular hyacinth types have deep blue florets with a purple stripe. They are small and easy to grow, achieving anywhere from six to 10 inches in height.
2. 2. Carnegie: Like many other hyacinth varieties, these pure white flowers are resistant to deer and rabbits, grow well in partial shade, and can be grown in the fall.
3. 3. City of Haarlem: These soft yellow hyacinths make great borders for garden beds, and as liners along walkways.
4. 4. Delft Blue: These soft blue flowers are particularly pungent, making them excellent perfumed additions for yard decor or cut flower bouquets.
5. 5. Jan Bos: Known for their vibrant fuchsia hue, these hyacinths make a vivid splash in any garden.

Like tulips and daffodils, hyacinths are a spring-flowering bulb that you can plant before the first fall frost in your region. Hyacinths grown in the fall should blossom around early spring. To grow your own hyacinths outdoors, check out the following steps:

1. 1. Protect your skin. Hyacinths contain oxalic acid, which can cause skin irritation or reactions, so you will need to wear gloves to protect your bare skin while handling the plants.
2. 2. Choose a site. Hyacinths grow best in full sun. Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
3. 3. Prepare the soil. Hyacinths prefer loamy, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Hyacinths like fertile soil, so if you have low-nutrient soil then you’ll need to amend it with a few inches of mature compost. Before planting, loosen the first 12 inches of soil to make room for the bulbs.
4. 4. Plant. Once the soil temperature falls below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in your region, you can begin planting your hyacinths. For true hyacinths, plant bulbs about four inches deep into your soil, with at least three inches between each planting. If you are growing grape hyacinths, plant your bulbs about two to three inches deep. When planting, angle the pointy side of your hyacinth bulbs up, then cover with soil.
5. 5. Water. Water your loose, well-draining soil enough to moisten the ground but avoid overwatering your bulbs—too much moisture can cause gray mold and bulb rot.

Hyacinths are perennial plants that bloom once every spring—with the right care and attention, you can enjoy these fragrant flowers for multiple years to come. Check out the following hyacinth care tips:

1. 1. Leave the foliage. After the flowering bulbs finish blooming (around late spring), cut back the flower stalks, but leave the foliage in place. Hyacinths store energy in their leaves for the following year’s bloom, so allow the leaves to die back naturally.
2. 2. Water infrequently. Overwatering your hyacinths can lead to rot, so water the plants infrequently. Your loose, well-draining soil should keep the ground from accumulating too much moisture. If the first few inches of soil feel dry, and there’s no rain on the horizon, give your plants about an inch of water.
   
3. 3. Protect the bulbs. Bulbs can stay in the ground year-round as long as winter temperatures fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit in your region. If you live in a warmer climate, dig up your bulbs and store them in a cool, dry area for six to eight weeks. If you plant your hyacinths in containers, keep them safe from winter moisture by covering them or moving them to an area with more protection.

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