Introduction to the Hyacinth
Hyacinths are popular garden bulbs not only because they are easy to grow, but also because they bring forth magnificent clusters of fragrant lily-like flowers which delight the senses.

Genus and History of The Hyacinth
The name Hyacinth has a Greek origin. A discus thrown by God Apollo accidentally slew Hyacinth, the hero of Greek mythology. The flowers are fabled to have grown from his blood. However, though the Greek Hyacinth was male, in the modern world, Hyacinth is used as a feminine name

Hyacinths originated in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, east of Iran and Turkmenistan. The allure of their beauty and fragrance made them a favorite with Europeans and in no time, Netherlands made these flowers their own. The Dutch developed many varieties and by the 18th Century, there were around 2000 cultivars. From Europe, the Hyacinth reached the US and gained pride of place in many American gardens

Hyacinths were originally grouped under the family Liliaceae, but are now considered as a genera under the family Hyacinthaceae (genus Hyacinthus)
The Genus has three species
1. Hyacinthus orientalis (Garden Hyacinth)
2. Hyacinthus litwinowii
3. Hyacinthus transcaspicus
Certain experts consider that Hyacinthus is monotypic with just the first genus in the family while the other two are Hyacinthella.

Description & Types of Hyacinth
Hyacinths are definitely early spring flowers, but Hyacinths bloom after many of the earliest such as certain types of daffodils, crocuses etc. The plants grow to 8-12" in height and have long leaves. The flowers come as clusters or florets at the end of a thick stalk and are lily shaped. A single stalk may even have 70-80 flowers. They are very fragrant.

The Hyacinths come in many colours including red, yellow, blue, white and shades of pink, apricot, orange, mauve and purple. Some of the popular varieties are: Woodstock (Magenta), City of Haarlem (Yellow) Delft Blue, Carnegie and L'Innocence (White) Fondant, and Amethyst (pink) Gypsy Queen (Apricot), Peter Stuyvesant, Splendid Cornelia, Jan Bos etc.

Hyacinth Growing Tips
Hyacinths can be grown in Zones 5-8 and even in Zone 4 if care is taken to cover the bulbs with a protective layer of deep mulch in the fall. They suit rock gardens, beds as well as borders and can also be grown in containers. They are suitable for indoor forcing.
Propogation is through bulbs. The larger the bulb, the larger the plant and flowers.
Growing Hyacinths in Gardens. Hyacinths can be extreamly rewarding to plant becuase in general Hyacinths are very easy to grow.

The bulbs must be planted in the fall, a few weeks before the ground is frozen so that the roots have enough time to develop and take hold. They need a rich soil which is well drained. Clayey soils need to be mixed with sand and/or gravel to ensure drainage before the bulbs can be planted. Plant them approximately 8 inches deep and about 6 inches apart. Add a little bulb fertilizer to the soil before planting. We have found over the years that Brecks bulbs is the premier home & garden nursery to order Hyacinths from. Don't delay and get your Hyacinths today!

of a single color can be grouped or contrasted with another color for an eye-catching display. An informal mixture of all colors also creates a vivid effect. Always plant them were their fragrance can be enjoyed. Hyacinths need the sun but can also survive in partial shade. However, as the flowers form large and heavy bunches at the top of the stalk, they may need staking to prevent bending or breaking. The Hyacinths bloom in spring. After bloom time, the leaves must be allowed to wither naturally to ensure that the bulb rejuvenates itself. The bulbs can be dug up and separated for replanting after a couple of years.

Forcing Hyacinths
Hyacinths can be forced to bloom indoors even in winter. A nursery selling garden plants can advise as to the varieties that are best suited for forcing indoors. The bulb is either planted in soil in a container, or kept in a Hyacinth Bulb Vase, a traditional method where the bulb is kept in a special glass vase, with enough moisture to allow the plant to grow and flower. The bulb does not survive the flowering as the stored nutrients are exhausted.

The planted hyacinth bulb, whether in a container or a bulb vase is given a cold, dark treatment: at temperatures of 35-45° F, with adequate moisture for 10-12 weeks. After the roots are well developed, the plant can be brought out to dim light and warmth and gradually, brought to brighter light and temperature up to a maximum of 65° F, in direct sun light. However, if the plant is exposed to too much heat immediately after the cold dark treatment, it is likely to flower prematurely and have malformed flowers or no flowers at all. Prematurely ending the cold treatment may cause underdeveloped roots. Overwatering will cause the bulb to rot. The plants will bloom three weeks.after they have been brought out to light. Hyacinths product a fantastic tower of color you can enjoy in you garden all summer long.. so get your Hyacinths in the ground today!

If you like Hyacinths.....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory