Hyacinth are strikingly beautiful flowers that pack a strong scent. Often planted in large groups outdoors for their beauty, they’re perfectly easy to grow indoors as well. In this article, we’ll look at caring for hyacinth indoors, and all the tips you need to grow a large, beautiful plant. Follow these simple steps and you will have blooming Hyacinths in no time.
Planting a Hyacinth
To plant a Hyacinth, you will first need to purchase a bulb. You can find these at your local nursery or garden center. Hyacinths are a perennial, bulb growing plant, so you start with a bulb instead of a seed.
Once you have your bulb, plant it in a pot that has drainage holes. Fill the pot with a good quality potting mix and water well. You can pack hyacinth bulbs quite tightly when growing indoors. Each one only needs a few inches of space to grow.
Place the pot in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Bulbs need a period of cool temperatures to flower, so you will need to place the pot in a cool spot (around 55 degrees Fahrenheit) for 12-16 weeks. Once the bulbs have had their chilling period, bring them out and place them in a warm, sunny spot. Water regularly and soon you will see flowers blooming. Note, some bulbs will come pre-chilled and won’t need this cooling period the first year they’re planted.
Once the flowers have bloomed, you can enjoy them indoors for a few weeks. After that, the bulbs will need to be rested. Take the bulbs out of the pot and allow them to dry off. Store them in a cool, dark place until fall. In the fall, plant the bulbs again and start the process all over.
As with most bulbs, Hyacinths are best planted in the fall. This allows them to develop a strong root system before they begin their blooming period in the spring.
Choose a Pot for Your Hyacinth
When it comes to choosing a pot for your Hyacinth, you want one that is sturdy and has a drainage hole. You may also want to consider a pot with a saucer to catch water, as Hyacinths prefer moist soil.
Most commercially bought containers will do. Our choice is clay for its affordability and durability, but any type of container will work. Any size will do, the larger containers obviously allowing you to plant more flowers. Choose one that matches with the amount of flowers you wish to plant.
The Right Soil for Your Hyacinth
As for the type of soil, you want to use a light and fluffy mix that is well-draining. To create your own mix, combine two parts peat moss with one part perlite. You can also add in some compost or vermiculite for extra nutrients. Any store bought potting soil will also work just fine.
Watering your Hyacinth
When it comes to watering, Hyacinths prefer to be kept moist but not soggy. Allow the top of the soil to dry out in between waterings, and then water until the soil is evenly moist. Overwatering can cause the bulb to rot, so be sure to allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering. You may need to water more frequently during the blooming period or during unseasonably hot days.
Hyacinth Light Needs
Hyacinths prefer bright, indirect sunlight. While they can survive in some partial shade, they bloom best when given a nice sunny spot to grow.
If you can’t provide this, you can grow them under artificial lights. Grow lights or fluorescent tubes placed about 12in above the plants will give them the extra light they need. Just be sure to keep the lights on for at least 14 hours a day.
Fertilizing your Hyacinth
Fertilizing is also important for healthy blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, and apply it according to the package directions. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the roots. Water your Hyacinths well after fertilizing.
The best time to fertilize is when you first plant them. Hyacinths aren’t overly nutrient hungry, so a single fertilization is often enough to feed them through their growing season.
In addition to fertilization, you can also apply a top dressing of compost or manure in the spring to give your plants an extra boost. Just be sure to do this before the plants start actively growing.
Temperature and Humidity for Hyacinths
The ideal temperature and humidity for Hyacinth bulbs is around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit with a relative humidity of around 50%. However, they can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures as long as the relative humidity is kept in check. If the air is too dry, the bulbs will become desiccated and may not bloom. Too much moisture can cause the bulbs to rot.
The best way to maintain the correct temperature and humidity for your bulbs is to use a humidifier or dehumidifier as needed. You can also try placing the pots on pebbles in a tray of water to help increase the humidity around the bulbs.
Repotting Hyacinth Bulbs
If your Hyacinth bulbs have outgrown their pots, it’s time for a repotting.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A new pot that is 2-3 inches wider than the old pot
- Hyacinth bulb fertilizer
- Potting soil
- A sharp knife
To repot your Hyacinth bulbs:
- Start by removing the bulb from its old pot. Gently loosen the roots and pull the bulb out.
- Cut off any dead or dying roots with a sharp knife.
- Place the bulb in the new pot and fill it with potting soil, leaving enough room at the top for watering.
Finally, it’s very important to deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more flower production. Just snip off the bloom stalk at the base after the flowers have faded. With a little care, you can enjoy beautiful Hyacinth blooms indoors all year long!
Caring for Hyacinth Indoors
Hyacinth are beautiful plants and quite easy to care for both indoors and outdoors. While they only bloom for a short time, the striking colors are well worth it. Growing indoors gives us more control over the plants, and we can even extend that blooming time to maximize our efforts.
Caring for Hyacinth Indoors FAQ
There is some mold on the Hyacinth bulbs. What to do?
If you notice mold on your Hyacinth bulbs, it’s important to take action right away. Mold can spread quickly and cause serious damage to the bulbs. To remove mold, gently brush it off with a soft, dry cloth. Be sure to dispose of the moldy material properly, so that it doesn’t spread to other parts of your home. Once the mold is gone, make sure to keep an eye on the area for any further signs of mold growth. If the problem persists, you may need to treat the area with a fungicide.
Do Hyacinth bulbs multiply?
Yes, Hyacinth bulbs multiply and can produce offsets or daughter bulbs. To propagate, carefully dig up the bulb and remove any offsets. Then replant the bulbs in well-draining soil. Water regularly and fertilize monthly. Offsets should appear within a few months. When they are big enough, you can dig them up and replant them.
How long do Hyacinth blooms last?
Hyacinth blooms typically last 7-10 days. However, under the right conditions, they can last up to two weeks. Proper care is essential to prolonging the life of your Hyacinths.
Is Hyacinth Toxic To Pets?
Yes, hyacinth is toxic to pets. The toxin is largely concentrated in the bulb, so it’s best not to grow this plant if you have animals that like to dig up your plants.
