Hyacinth care guide
Hyacinthus orientalis
Also known as: Common hyacinth, Dutch hyacinth
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Compounds concentrated in the bulb have been linked to vomiting, diarrhea and drooling in dogs and cats; keep bulbs out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Hyacinth
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 3 days
- From sprouting through bloom, water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; as the leaves yellow, cut back and let the pot dry until you lift the bulbs.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 5 days
- After planting the bulb is rooting, so generally water well when the soil dries; a bulb grown in water sits in a cool dark place until roots form.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Water pots thoroughly in the morning when the soil dries, as a guide; for water culture, change the water about weekly and keep the level just below the base of the bulb.
Light and placement for Hyacinth
A sunny spot outdoors is the guide; winter cold develops the flower, and once buds show it can come to a bright indoor window, though too much warmth leaves the flower stalk short.
Overwintering Hyacinth
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Cold-hardy and generally overwintered outdoors; pots under the eaves need no protection beyond not drying out, as a guide.
Fertilizing and repotting Hyacinth
Fertilizer
Mix slow-release fertilizer in at planting and give liquid feed about twice a month from sprouting until after bloom; a bulb in water flowers without feed but is spent afterward.
When to repot
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Hyacinth
- Water touching the base of the bulb in water culture rots it.
- In a warm room the stalk stays short and the flower opens buried in the leaves.
- Planted while the weather is still warm, the bulb rots.
Tips for growing Hyacinth
- In water culture keep the water about 1 cm below the bulb and hold it cool and dark until the roots reach 5 to 10 cm.
- Bulbs can make hands itch, so gloves make handling easier.
- Leaving the foliage and feeding after bloom gives smaller flowers again next year.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
