White Hyacinth flower - Hyacinthus Orientalis
Purple garden Hyacinth - Hyacinthus Orientalis -small Purple and pink Hyacinth - Hyacinthus Orientalis -small Yellow Garden Hyacinth flowers - Hyacinthus Orientalis -small White Hyacinth flower - Hyacinthus Orientalis -small

Common Hyacinth (Garden Hyacinth / Dutch Hyacinth) care

Latin name: Hyacinthus orientalis

The garden hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a spring-blooming bulbous perennial plant belonging to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). Hyacinth is highly favored for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. It is often planted in gardens and pots. The hyacinth flower was originally native to Central and South Asia, where it grew wild for centuries. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and quickly became popular due to its vibrant colors and fragrant flowers.

The Netherlands played a significant role in the cultivation of the hyacinth flower. Dutch botanists began breeding hyacinths in the 17th century, resulting in the emergence of hyacinths in various colors and shapes. The Netherlands remains one of the main producers of hyacinth bulbs. Hyacinth is still a popular ornamental plant nowadays, which is planted in gardens and pots worldwide. Numerous hybrid varieties exist, featuring different colors and characteristics.

The hyacinth also held significant importance in Greek mythology. A famous story is associated with Hyacinthus, a young Spartan prince, and the god Apollo. According to the story, Apollo fell in love with Hyacinthus. They spent time together, competing and having fun. However, during one of these competitions, a jealous god fatally injured Hyacinthus with a discus. Apollo grieved deeply and eventually gifted the place where Hyacinthus's blood fell with hyacinth flowers. The plant was named in memory of Hyacinthus.

pink potted hyacinth flower - Hyacinthus orientalisPink potted hyacinth flower (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Thus, in ancient Greek mythology, the hyacinth became a symbol of love, tragedy, and remembrance. The hyacinth's flower has remained a symbol of rebirth and the connections between life and death in many cultures.

Description of Hyacinth

The hyacinth's (Hyacinthus orientalis) flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance and grow in dense clusters at the top of the plant. The color of hyacinth's flowers can vary and includes shades of blue, purple, pink, white, yellow, and orange.

Its leaves are long, sword-shaped, typically dark green, and grow circularly from the bulb. Hyacinth usually grows to a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm). Its flowers bloom from early spring, making it a popular choice for spring gardens.

Its wonderful fragrance enchants everyone; a few stems in a vase can fill the entire house with its scent.

Caring for Hyacinth

Hyacinth care in brief: it has simple needs, requires a sunny place to bloom. It prefers cooler weather, with an ideal temperature range of 50 - 59 °F (10-15 °C). The soil should be well-draining, with regular but moderate watering. After flowering, remove the wilted flowers.

Light requirements

For hyacinths, the ideal location is a sunny or partially shaded area where they receive at least a few (4-6) hours of direct sunlight. Adequate sunlight ensures the intensity and duration of flowering.

Hyacinth can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. In such cases, it is important for the plant to receive some sunlight during the day.

If planted in an area with particularly high temperatures and intense sunlight, protect them from the strong afternoon sun using a shade cloth or other shading tools. The best location is where they receive morning and forenoon sunlight but are shaded during the strong afternoon sun.

If your hyacinth is kept indoors, place it near a window where it can receive plenty of natural light, but protect it from the direct afternoon sun.

purple hyacinth flower - Hyacinthus orientalisPurple hyacinth flower (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Temperature requirements

Hyacinths prefers cooler temperatures, especially during the early growth and flowering periods. The ideal temperature range for them is 50 - 59 °F (10-15 °C). It is relatively frost-resistant and can survive harsher winters if their bulbs are in the ground.

Hyacinths do not like very hot, dry conditions. In summer, when they are dormant, it is important to keep the bulbs in a cool, dry place.

Indoors, keep hyacinths in a cool, well-ventilated area, especially during flowering, to enjoy their flowers longer. Higher indoor temperatures, around 77 °F (25 °C), have a negative effect on them. Avoid placing them near heating devices.

Hyacinths do not tolerate prolonged high temperatures well. In too warm conditions, their flowers may wilt quickly, and the bulb can be damaged.

Water requirements

When caring for hyacinths, it is important to provide the right amount of water, especially during the blooming period. The key is regular but moderate watering. Hyacinths need regular watering, but it is crucial not to overwater them. The soil should be moist but not soaked.

Watering should be adjusted to the plant's needs. During the blooming period, it may require more water, while after blooming, as the leaves start to yellow and eventually die off, watering should be gradually reduced and then stopped completely, allowing the bulbs to dry out and prepare for the next season.

If you are caring for hyacinths indoors, make sure not to let water accumulate at the bottom of the pot. Use a pot that provides good drainage. Also, empty any excess water from the saucer under the pot.

The hyacinth bulb is sensitive to overwatering and can easily rot, so it is necessary to water moderately. If the hyacinth is in a pot, water it only when the top 2-3 cm of the soil is completely dry.

Fertilization

Hyacinths appreciate nutrient supplementation. It is best to add fertilizer to the soil in the fall when planting the hyacinth bulbs or to water them with nutrient-rich water after planting. Subsequently, in the spring, when they start to grow, they can be fertilized again or watered with nutrient-rich water until they bloom.

When planting hyacinth bulbs, it is best to add slow-release fertilizer to the soil. If available, compost can also be used. These help the flower root. If neither is available, water the freshly planted bulb with nutrient-rich water.

It is also advisable to fertilize in the spring when the hyacinth starts sprouting. The nutrients help the plant bloom. Another option is to water with nutrient-rich water until it stops blooming.

Use general, slow-release fertilizer or a specific mix for bulb plants that provides the necessary nutrients for hyacinths, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in equal proportions.

If using liquid fertilizer, dilute it to half the strength recommended in the instructions. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the plant, but do not apply it directly to the bulb. Afterward, water the soil thoroughly so the nutrients reach the roots.

Hyacinths can also be fertilized after blooming to help the bulbs accumulate nutrients for the next season. In this case, general fertilizer can also be used.

white hyacinth flower in garden - Hyacinthus orientalisWhite hyacinth flower in the garden (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Planting Hyacinths

Hyacinth bulbs are usually planted in the fall, between September and November, when the weather has slightly cooled, but the bulbs still have time to root before winter.

The soil should be loose and well-draining, with added compost or other organic fertilizers. Plant the hyacinth bulb about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep. If the bulb is larger, plant it deeper.

Place the bulb with the tip facing upward. Cover the bulb with soil and gently press down the soil.

If planted outdoors, use an extra layer of mulch to help retain moisture and protect the hyacinth bulb from extreme weather.

If planting multiple hyacinth bulbs, leave 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) of space between them to allow air circulation once they have grown.

Hyacinths can also be planted in the spring, but there is a very low chance that they will bloom in the same year because the bulbs miss their usual cycle, lacking the cold winter rest period for preparation.

Transplanting Hyacinth

Transplanting hyacinths is rarely necessary, as the bulbs usually remain in the same place for years with proper care. However, if needed, the ideal time for transplanting is in the fall, when the bulbs are dormant, and the leaves and blooms have dried off.

Carefully dig up the bulbs, ensuring not to damage them. Dig 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) around the bulb to avoid harm, then lift the bulb out.

Examine the bulbs for any signs of damage, rot, or disease. Discard any unhealthy bulbs.

If there are offsets, separate them carefully, ensuring the roots are not damaged.

Then, proceed to plant the hyacinths as detailed above.

Care for Hyacinth in pots

Care for hyacinths in pots is similar to growing them in the garden, but there are a few differences. Choose an appropriately sized pot that is at least 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) deep to provide enough space for the hyacinth bulb. The pot should have drainage holes.

Use high-quality, well-draining potting soil that contains compost or fertilizer to ensure proper nutrients. Plant the hyacinth bulb about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) deep in the pot. The bulb's tip should face upward.

Hyacinths grown in pots also need regular but moderate watering. The soil should not dry out completely, but it should not be too wet either. Place the pot in a location where it can receive plenty of light.

Hyacinth flowering

The hyacinth produces its distinctive, fragrant flowers in early spring, usually in March or April, depending on the weather conditions. Its flowers are the most spectacular part of the plant due to their beauty and fragrance. The blooming period of hyacinths lasts about three weeks.

Hyacinth flowers bloom in clusters. The flower clusters are cylindrical and located at the top of the stem. The flowers are densely packed together on the cluster.

purple garden hyacinth blooming - Hyacinthus orientalisPurple garden hyacinth blooming (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Hyacinth care after flowering

Caring for hyacinths after flowering is important for next year's blooms and reblooming. When the flowers have wilted and dried, cut off the spent flower cluster at the base of the stem to allow the plant to channel energy back into the bulb.

Do not remove the leaves yet, as they play a crucial role in returning nutrients to the bulb. Wait until the leaves turn yellow and dry out before removing them.

After flowering, the plant may need additional nutrients for next year's rebloom. Fertilize or water with a nutrient solution. Continue watering after flowering to keep the plant's roots hydrated.

Once the leaves have dried, the hyacinth bulb enters a resting period. During this time, it needs less watering and no additional nutrients.

Wintering a hyacinth essentially involves caring for the bulb. In winter, the bulb needs darkness and cool temperatures, close to freezing. If your hyacinth is in a pot, move the pot to a cool, dark place until the next spring. Occasionally water it to prevent drying out.

Forcing Hyacinths

While hyacinths are garden ornamental plants, some varieties are suitable for indoor planting. Forcing should begin in October. Place the bulbs in soil-filled pots so that the tips protrude about ½ - 1 inch (1-3 cm) from the soil. The pot should be only ½ - 1 inch (1-2 cm) larger than the bulb. Water the soil, but do not soak it.

After planting, place the pots in a dark container at temperatures below 54 °F (12 °C) for 2-3 months. By December, the temperature should be no more than 41 °F (5 °C). Occasionally water to prevent the soil and bulbs from drying out.

After the first shoots appear, keep the flowers cool and dark for a few more days. As the shoots reach 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in height, gradually acclimate them to brighter and warmer conditions.

hyacinth bulb in a pot - Hyacinthus orientalisHyacinth bulb in a pot (Hyacinthus orientalis)

If you don't have a cellar but want early-blooming hyacinths, you can place the hyacinth bulbs purchased in the fall in a dry paper bag in the refrigerator (around 41 °F / 5 °C) for 3 months. This can bring forward the blooming time, so you can have fragrant hyacinths blooming in January / February.

After planting, place the pot in a cool, dark place and keep the soil moist. After 3-4 weeks, buds will start to form. Then move the pot to a bright, room-temperature place and water regularly. However, flowering exhausts the bulb so much that if you want it to survive, you need to repot it as described above to help the hyacinth bulb regain strength.

Propagating Hyacinth

Propagating Hyacinths can be done in several ways, but using bulblets is the simplest. However, it still takes a few years for the hyacinth to bloom.

Propagating Hyacinth from bulblets

A hyacinth bulb grows for three years, then it starts producing many offsets, small bulbs, at the base of the original bulb above the roots. In the fall, after the leaves have dried out, lift the bulb from the ground. Carefully separate the bulblets and plant them as described above.

Hyacinths grown from bulblets typically need a few years to grow large enough to produce flowers.

Propagating Hyacinth by cutting

The bulb cuttings method is mainly used by expert gardeners. The method involves cutting the mature bulb in half, then cutting each half into two parts. These parts must be grown in a sterile environment until new bulblets form.

Sprinkle or spray the cut surfaces of the bulb with a fungicide to prevent rot. Plant the bulb parts on a tray using a mixture of moist sand, perlite, or vermiculite as the planting medium. Finally, cover them lightly.

Place the tray in a cool, dark place and keep it consistently slightly moist. The new small bulbs will appear in a few months. Let the bulblets grow to at least ½-1 inch (1-2 cm) before planting them as described in the planting hyacinth section.

Propagating Hyacinth by seeds

Although hyacinth can be propagated from seeds, this method is particularly time-consuming. If you decide to do this, collect the seeds after the flowers have faded and plant them in the fall. Plant the seeds in a tray filled with loose, well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil consistently moist.

Place the tray in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. It may take several weeks for the seeds to germinate. The hyacinth seedlings need continuous care as they grow, and they should be transplanted into larger pots or trays as needed.

Growing hyacinths from seeds can take 3-5 years to produce a mature, flowering plant. It is also important to note that hyacinths grown from seeds may not be identical to the parent plant.

Diseases, pests, and main causes of Hyacinth decline

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) plant can suffer from diseases and pests that weaken the plant, stunting its growth or even causing its death. The most common disease in the hyacinth family is bulb rot (Xanthomonas hyacinti).

Diseases

Basal rot is a fungal disease that attacks the hyacinth bulb, causing it to rot. Symptoms include a soft bulb, stunted growth, and lack of flowering. Prevent this by planting the hyacinth bulb in well-draining soil. Remove and discard the infected bulb.

Fusarium rot is another fungal disease that leads to bulb rot. Symptoms include discolored, rotting bulbs, and plants that do not grow or flower. Treat the plant with a fungicide. If the infection is too advanced, discard the infected plant.

Gray mold (Botrytis) is a fungal infection that attacks the leaves and flowers of the plant. Symptoms include gray, fuzzy mold on the leaves and flowers, as well as brown spots. To prevent this, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Remove infected leaves and flowers.

Pests

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap. Symptoms include sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth, and black sooty mold. Use insecticides or try a more natural soapy water wash to control them. The latter may not be fully effective.

Nematodes are soil-dwelling roundworms that can damage the hyacinth's roots and bulbs. Symptoms include stunted growth and yellowing or wilting. Use nematicides to control them.

Environmental factors and improper care of Hyacinths

Overwatering or using soil that does not drain well can cause the hyacinth bulb to rot and make it susceptible to other fungal or bacterial infections.

If the hyacinth receives too little light, its growth can slow down, and its flowering may be sparse.

purple garden hyacinth flower - Hyacinthus orientalisPurple garden hyacinth flower (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Is Hyacinth poisonous?

All parts of the hyacinth (leaves, stems, flowers, bulbs) contain toxic substances, but special care should be taken with the bulb. Its toxins, calcium oxalate crystals, and alkaloids are mainly found in the bulb. These can cause unpleasant stomach and intestinal problems if ingested, as they irritate the mucous membranes.

When caring for hyacinths, it is advisable to be cautious and wear gloves when planting or transplanting bulbs to avoid skin irritation. If any irritation occurs after handling the plant, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

In case of poisoning, the first symptoms are nausea and vomiting, but blood pressure may also drop. Do not try to suppress these symptoms; vomiting is more effective. Rinse the mouth with water, administer activated charcoal, and drinking a few glasses of milk may help as the calcium can partially neutralize the oxalate crystals.

In more severe cases of poisoning, such as if a child has ingested the toxin, gastric lavage may be necessary. In cases of blood pressure drop and severe fluid loss, fluid and electrolyte replacement is required.

For children and pets, all parts of the hyacinth are considered highly toxic.

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