How to Grow Hyacinth | Easy Guide for Beginners

The ancient Greeks valued hyacinths for their lovely fragrance and beauty. Legend says this gorgeous flower was named after the young boy Apollo loved, Hyacinthus. 

Since then, these blossoms have come to represent spring and renewal. That’s why I choose to grow my own. Let’s learn how to grow hyacinth right away!

How to Grow Hyacinth from Bulbs

Growing hyacinths from bulbs is quite easy. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

Step 1 – Plant The Bulbs in the Autumn

Plant your hyacinths in the fall when the soil cools to around 40–50°F. Do this before the first frost starts.

• Zones 3–5: Plant in September
• Zones 6–7: Plant in October
• Zones 8–9: Plant in December

Tip: Plant them in pots if the soil doesn’t stay below 60°F for 12 weeks.

Step 2 – Prepare The Soil

Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Hyacinths thrive in areas that receive afternoon sun and are sheltered from strong winds.

Fill 6 inches of the on-top ground with about 3 inches of garden soil. The ideal soil pH is 6.0 to 7.0.

Step 3 – Plan The Bulbs

I dig holes about 8 inches deep and plant 6 bulbs next to each other. The space between each group should be about 4 inches.

• Keep the pointy side up.
• Mix in an NPK fertilizer (ratio 10-10-10 as directed). Then fill the hole together with bulbs. 
• Water each spot for 15 seconds, then repeat once a week for a month.

Step 4 – Mulch in the Winter

Spread a layer of mulch over the flower bed at the beginning of winter. Then, no need to touch the bulbs until spring!

Step 5 – Add Fertilizer in the Spring

When you see leaves appear, add more fertilizer and water the bulbs once a week.

Remove the dead flowers, but leave the leaves there for another 6 weeks. This helps the bulbs recharge for next year.

Step 6 – Minimal maintenance in the Summer

You just need to cut off the leaves and stems at the soil level in the summer.  No watering. No fertilizer. Just leave your hyacinth bulbs there in the ground until the next autumn.

How to Grow Hyacinth in Pots

If you don’t have garden space, you can easily grow hyacinths in pots! I’ve tried this a couple of times, and it works beautifully. Here’s how I do it:

• Fill 8 inches of flower garden soil in your pot
• Place the bulbs inside (pointy facing up)
• Water your bulb for 15 seconds
• Place the pot in a cool, dry place before the first frost and keep it there throughout winter
• Place the pot in a bright spot and water it once a week after you notice green growth
• Remove dead flowers once they have bloomed and the petals have fallen
• Let the leaves stay for 6 weeks before cutting them off at the soil level

5 Best Types Of Hyacinths To Grow

I’ve selected 5 beautiful and easy-to-grow types of hyacinths that work for beginners. Just be sure to pick healthy, firm bulbs without soft patches or broken skins.

1. Ann Marie Hyacinth

A delicate, pink beauty with a rich, sweet scent. Ann Marie blooms in the middle of spring and attracts a lot of bees. I love to put these in pots or by my door to bring that aroma within.

2. Blue Festival Hyacinth

The typical hyacinth that most people think of is this one.  It attracts all pollinators with its gentle blue-purple blooms, which last for three weeks. Ideal for pots or garden beds.

3. Blue Jacket Hyacinth

My own favorite! This type has vibrant, deep-blue flowers with a tinge of purple and can last 2 to 3 weeks. For a beautiful springtime display, I like to match these with yellow daffodils.

4. Blue Star Hyacinth

This is a perfect choice if you want one that develops quickly and fully.  These plants have soft blue blossoms on lush green foliage, great for raised beds, gardens, or even indoors.

5. Carnegie Hyacinth

These flowers are elegant with a pure white color and have a strong scent. It looks fantastic in front-yard beds or around patios, and it goes very well with tulips.

Pro Tips

How To Cut Hyacinths

If you love bringing hyacinths indoors, make sure to cut them when the flowers have fully opened. Put the stem in a vase with room-temperature water. 

Change the water every few days. Add Miracle-Gro for Fresh Cut Flowers so that they can last longer.

How To Protect Hyacinths From Common Diseases

Hyacinths are tough, but they can still encounter some diseases such as nematodes, gray mold, bulb rot, slugs, snails, and aphids.

To protect your hyacinths, use an insecticide and fungicide in early spring, once you notice the first green shoots.

How To Protect Hyacinths From Pests

The biggest troublemakers you can face are deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. They’ll dig up bulbs and munch on the leaves. To stop this, lay bird netting over the soil right after planting.

Conclusion

So, this is how to grow hyacinth. It is easy, right? Why not grab a few bulbs and give it a try? You’ll enjoy their beautiful colors and sweet fragrance every coming spring.