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Forcing a hyacinth simply means to grow it indoors. They can be grown in a special shaped hyacinth glass on just water or grown in pots with soil. It is not difficult to force indoors, but but does require a little patience. You will be rewarded with color and fragrance indoors in winter when little else is in bloom.
About this Variety
Indoor forcing hyacinths are very large to ensure success. They have been given special treatment to simplify and shorten the steps to force them into bloom.
Highlights
- Hyacinths have been specially treated for indoor forcing
- Can be grown indoors during winter
- Grown on glass or in pots with soil
- Delightfully sweet fragrance
- Excellent for cut flowers
Exposure:
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Blooms:
Early to Mid Spring
Height:
Grows 8-14" tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 3-5" apart, 3-5" deep
USDA Zones:
Grow as Perennial in zones 4-8. Grow as Annual elsewhere.
Growing Instructions
Plant outdoors in the fall, before the first frost hardens the soil. Dig a hole to the required depth. Place bulb in hole, pointed side up. Cover with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch in extreme climates.
For container planting, bury the bulb three times as deep as the bulb is wide. In zones 6 and below, you will need to protect your bulb containers. Place them near the foundation of the house or other structure. In zones 3-5, place the container in an unheated garage or shed.
After blooming, leave the bulbs in place so plants can clump or reseed. Divide only when containers or planting spaces become too crowded. Propagate in the fall by division after they have been chilled for four weeks in a moist medium.
To force indoors in containers during the winter months, pot large-sized, specially treated hyacinth bulbs in containers. Place in a cool, dark location (such as a closet), making sure the soil remains damp for several weeks to ensure adequate root development. When shoot tips are visible, move to a 50ºF environment at first, gradually moving to higher temperature locations as more shoot appears and giving as much light as possible.
After forcing, keep in a cool, but sunny location to finish growth. To force indoors in a bulb vase, place bulb in the cup-shaped spot at top of vase and fill with water just until water level is touching the roots. May also place in a vase of your choice on top of rocks or decorative stones, filling the vessel with water until water level is just touching the roots. Maintain water level and follow remaining steps as in indoor container forcing.
Care Tip
Best planted to be enjoyed up close. In warmer climates (USDA hardy zones 8-10) it is advisable to pre-chill the bulbs 6-8 weeks before planting. Place in vented bag(s) at bottom of refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep bulbs away from ripening fruits.
Plant in informal groupings of 5 or more bulbs for best results. Hyacinths prefer well drained soil but will tolerate a wide variety of conditions. Water well during the growing season. Fertilize at planting time and again after blooming.
After flowering and when foliage has died, dig and clean bulbs. Store in a dry, well ventilated location. Repeat pre-chilling procedure before planting again.
Hyacinths are winter hardy and resist frost damage. Contact with hyacinth bulbs may cause skin irritation. Use gloves or handle with care. Wash hands thoroughly after planting.