Hyacinth Bulbs

The hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) flowers in April with dense spikes in blue, white, pink, violet and yellow and has an intense fragrance. The bulbs are planted in autumn from September to November. Besides single varieties there are double hyacinths and mixes.

Buy hyacinth bulbs: colours, varieties and fragrance

Garden hyacinths are descended from the oriental hyacinth. Each bulb produces a sturdy flower spike made up of many small bells, 20 to 30 cm tall. Classics include the dark blue 'Blue Jacket', the white 'Carnegie', the pink 'Pink Pearl' or 'Anna Marie', the red 'Jan Bos' and the salmon-coloured 'Gipsy Queen'. 'Woodstock' in plum purple looks very dark. Double hyacinths have denser, heavier flower spikes. All varieties are strongly scented, and in a pot on the patio or windowsill the fragrance carries a long way. The available range changes with the season. You will find more spring-flowering bulbs under bulbs for autumn planting and grape hyacinths.

Planting time and location in Switzerland

Plant hyacinth bulbs from September to November, on the Swiss Plateau ideally in October. At higher altitudes, plant by mid-October so the bulbs can still form roots before the frost. Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with free-draining, fairly fertile soil. Waterlogging makes the bulbs rot; improve heavy soils with sand or fine gravel.

Planting and care

• Planting depth: about 10 to 15 cm, roughly twice the height of the bulb.
• Spacing: about 10 to 15 cm; planted in groups, the display looks fuller.
• Watering: water in after planting, and in spring only during dry spells.
• After flowering: cut off the flower spike and leave the foliage until it turns yellow.
• Winter: hyacinths are hardy in the garden. In harsh winters, protect pots with fleece or place them against a house wall.

In the garden the flower spikes often become looser and smaller in later years. This is normal and gives the plants a more natural look.

Forcing hyacinths in pots and vases

Hyacinths are well suited to forcing. In autumn, place prepared bulbs on a hyacinth glass so the bulb sits just above the water. Keep the glass cool and dark at about 5 to 9 °C for eight to ten weeks until the roots and shoot are well developed. Then bring it gradually into the light and warmth. As cut flowers, hyacinths last about a week.

Note: hyacinth bulbs contain substances that can cause itching on sensitive skin and are poisonous if eaten. Wear gloves when planting and keep bulbs away from children and pets.