When talking about Christmas flowers, people usually mean poinsettias and amaryllis, but for me, the hyacinth is just as obvious a choice as the other two. It adds an extra splash of color and spreads its lovely fragrance throughout the home during the dark winter months. In this article, I’ll go over some facts about this fantastic flower, how to plant it, and how to care for it so it can thrive all through the holiday season.
Common Questions about Hyacinths:
How long does it take for a newly planted hyacinth to bloom?
It takes about a month for newly planted hyacinths to bloom, so planting cold-treated bulbs at the end of November is best if you want flowers by Christmas.Are hyacinths allergy-friendly/Do hyacinths have a strong scent?
Hyacinths have a very distinct scent, so if you have allergies or are sensitive to strong smells, the hyacinth may not be the best flower to bring into your home. However, if you still want one, you can place it in a larger, well-ventilated room to avoid the fragrance becoming too overpowering.
Can I plant hyacinths and poinsettias together?
You can certainly plant hyacinths and poinsettias together, but it’s important to remember that they prefer different temperatures. Poinsettias thrive in warmer conditions, while hyacinths prefer slightly cooler temperatures.Can I plant my hyacinths outdoors in the spring?
Absolutely! Hyacinths can bring you garden joy long after Christmas is over. The flowers won’t be as impressive as during their first bloom, but the fragrance and beauty will still be there. You can also store them in a cool, dark place until next Christmas—just remember to water them occasionally.
How do I plant hyacinths?
If you want hyacinths to bloom for Christmas, you need to plant them in advance, but if you plant them around Christmas, you’ll have beautiful hyacinths by spring. If you want bulbs to decorate your home indoors, it’s a good idea to buy cold-treated ones, as otherwise, they’ll need almost three months in the fridge before you can plant them to ensure timely blooming. Cold treating isn’t difficult, though; simply leave them in the fridge for 10-12 weeks before planting.
To plant, simply place the bulbs in a regular pot—choose one with good drainage from the start to avoid replanting later. Bury the bulbs, making sure a small part of the top sticks out. You can also use smaller, disposable pots for later transplanting.
Place the bulbs in a cool, dark place, as hyacinths need this environment to properly develop their roots.
When you see shoots starting to emerge from the soil, it’s time to move them to warmth and light. Water your hyacinths sparingly, as they are sensitive to root rot.
Cold-treated hyacinths take about a month to start blooming.
How do I care for my hyacinths?
There are three important things to keep in mind when taking care of hyacinths:
First, hyacinths don’t like being too warm. These plants are used to outdoor conditions in cooler climates, so placing them in overly warm spots can cause them to bloom too quickly or die prematurely. Be sure not to place them too close to radiators or other heat sources. It’s also not a good idea to plant hyacinths with other Christmas plants, like poinsettias, which are sensitive to cold.
Second, you need to pay attention to watering. Hyacinths like the soil to be slightly moist, but too much water can cause root rot. So water sparingly to prevent the bulbs from rotting.
Lastly, consider what you want to do with the bulbs after Christmas. Many people choose to throw away or compost their hyacinths after New Year’s, but you can plant them outside in the spring. They won’t be as grand as during their first bloom, but they’ll still be beautiful.
I hope this article has inspired you to let the beauty and fragrance of the hyacinth bring joy to your home this Christmas!
