Guide to growing garden plants - Hyacinthus Hyacinth

Hyacinthus are a genus of plants that are grown as hardy bulbs.

They have long flower stalks that have a head of flowers of blue, white, purple, red, pink or yellow.

They flower in the middle of spring.

How to grow Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)

It is best to grow Hyacinth from bulbs, the depth that they are sown depends on the soil type, plant them about 13cm deep in light soil and 7cm deep in heavier soils. It is best to plant hyacinth bulbs in the early autumn into an area of the garden that is sunny or receives partial shade. They prefer a rich slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6 to 7).

It is quite difficult to grow Hyacinth from seeds. if you plan to then sow seeds into flats at a depth of about 12mm. Bury the flat into a shady part of the garden and cover with glass. The soil should be kept relatively moist. Germination can take from one month to one year. If seedlings do appear let them grow until they are strong (at least a year) and transplant to their final location in the autumn. It will take from between three to six years until hyacinth grown from seed will flower.

Caring for Hyacinth plants in the garden

Looking after Hyacinth requires a few simple steps. they should be fed in the spring and autumn, and require regular watering during the dry months of summer. Once flowering has finished the dead flowers should be removed. It is best to supply a mulch to Hyacinth plants to protect them from the cold. Hyacinth typically have a good flowering life span of about 4 years. If you require more Hyacinthus plants then it is probably best to grow them from bulbs bought from a garden center.