Leslie Massey
Hyacinths, scientifically known as Hyacinthus orientalis, are spring-flowering bulbous perennials that originated in Southern Europe. They are known for their vibrant colours and sweet fragrance. In Australia, hyacinths can be grown in the ground, in pots, or in glass jars. They require a full sun to part-shade position in the garden with moderately fertile, well-drained soil. The bulbs should be planted 10-15 cm deep and 10-15 cm apart, with the pointed tip facing upwards. After planting, water the bulbs well and keep the soil moist but not wet. In areas without winter frosts, the bulbs should be chilled in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | A well-drained spot in the garden that attracts full sun |
| Soil | Moderately fertile, loose, and well-drained soil enriched with organic matter |
| Soil Preparation | Weeding, digging to a spade's depth to loosen the soil, adding aged animal manure or compost |
| Bulb Placement | Place bulbs directly where the plant is to grow at a depth of 10-15 cm and space 10-15 cm apart with the pointed tip facing upwards |
| Container | Minimum of 10 litres with adequate drainage holes |
| Watering | Keep the soil moist but not wet until shoots emerge, then water well |
| Feeding | Feed every 1-2 weeks with liquid plant food when flower buds appear |
| Common Pests | Snails and slugs |
| Storage | Store bulbs in a dry, cool place in a paper bag |
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What You'll Learn
Soil preparation
Before planting, prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly and digging it over to a depth of at least one spade to loosen it. Enrich the soil with organic matter, such as aged animal manure or compost. If your soil is heavy, organic matter can help lighten it, making it easier for the roots to grow. Hyacinths grow well in containers, so if you're using a pot, choose one with adequate drainage holes and a minimum capacity of 10 litres. A good quality potting mix is recommended.
In warmer climates without winter frosts, hyacinth bulbs benefit from being chilled in the refrigerator for six to eight weeks before planting. Place the bulbs in an open paper bag and store them away from ripe fruit and vegetables. This simulates the cold temperatures they need to flower.
After preparing the soil, you can plant the hyacinth bulbs. Position them at a depth of 10 to 15 cm, spaced 10 to 15 cm apart, with the pointed tip facing upwards. Cover the bulbs with soil and water them well. Keep the soil moist but not wet until shoots emerge.
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Container and pot selection
Hyacinths can be grown in the ground, in pots, or in glass jars. If you're growing them in a pot, choose one that is at least 15 cm deep so you can get a good base of potting mix. A minimum volume of 10 litres is recommended for hyacinths. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes and place it in a position that gets full sun.
When it comes to the potting mix, use a good-quality one and ensure it is loose and well-drained, with organic matter like aged animal manure or compost mixed through. If you're in a warmer climate, you can chill the bulbs in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting to simulate a cold winter, which hyacinths need to flower.
If you're growing your hyacinths indoors, you can use a specially designed hourglass-shaped glass vase. This is a great way to teach children how bulbs grow, as they can see all the different stages of development. Bulb jars are designed so that the roots have room to grow and access water without the bulb being fully submerged.
For outdoor hyacinths, choose a location that will receive at least 3 hours of full sun each day. If you're planting directly into the ground, place bulbs at a depth of 10-15 cm and space them 10-15 cm apart.
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Planting
When planting hyacinth bulbs, it is important to choose the right location and prepare the soil. Hyacinths need a full sun to part-shade position, with at least three hours of full sun each day. The soil should be moderately fertile, loose, and well-drained, enriched with organic matter such as compost or aged animal manure. It is recommended to dig the soil to at least a spade's depth to loosen it and keep it free of weeds until planting.
For container planting, choose a pot that is at least 15 cm deep to allow for a good base of potting mix. A minimum volume of 10 litres is recommended for hyacinths. Make sure your container has adequate drainage holes. If planting in the ground, place the bulbs directly where they will grow, at a depth of 10-15 cm and spaced 10-15 cm apart. For containers, follow the same depth guidelines and ensure the bulbs are placed in their final position. The pointed tip of the bulb should face upwards.
After placing the bulbs, cover them with soil and water them well. It is important to keep the soil moist but not wet until shoots emerge. Regular deep watering is required until the bulb goes into dormancy. Avoid overwatering, especially before leaves emerge, unless the soil is particularly dry.
In warmer climates without winter frosts, it is recommended to chill the bulbs before planting. Place them in an open paper bag in the refrigerator, away from ripe fruit and vegetables, for six to eight weeks to simulate a cold winter. Alternatively, store them in a dark area at a temperature between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius for 12 to 14 weeks to encourage a healthy root system.
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Watering
Once the bulbs are planted, they should not be watered again until leaves emerge, unless the soil becomes particularly dry. At this point, regular deep watering is required until the bulb begins to go into dormancy.
To promote healthy root development, hyacinth bulbs need a cooling period of 12 to 14 weeks before planting. During this time, the bulbs should be stored in a dark, cool place, either in the refrigerator or in a dark area between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius.
After the flowers and foliage die, the bulbs can be lifted from the soil, cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry, and airy place until the next season. To prepare for the next season, remove the spent flower stems and continue to water and feed the plant until all the foliage turns yellow and dies down.
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Common pests and diseases
Like all plants, hyacinths are susceptible to pests, diseases, and other problems. Here are some common issues to look out for when growing hyacinths in Australia:
Aphids
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects (2-4mm long) that congregate on the new shoots or the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to wilt or become discoloured and also excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and other insect pests. To manage aphids, remove them by spraying with a garden hose, apply a soap or alcohol spray, or encourage predatory insects to your garden.
Bulb Rot
Bulb rot is a common disease affecting hyacinths, often characterised by soft, mushy, or discoloured bulbs. It is caused by fungal pathogens that can lead to reduced growth or even bulb death if left untreated. To prevent bulb rot, plant hyacinths in well-drained soil and ensure proper spacing between bulbs to promote air circulation. Water the plants only when necessary, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. If bulb rot is detected early, fungicides may be applied as a preventive measure; however, once the bulbs have rotted, they cannot be saved.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is caused by Fusarium oxysporum, a soil-borne fungus that invades the vascular system of the plant. It causes yellowing leaves that may eventually wilt and die back. The affected bulbs may also show signs of browning at the base and softening tissues. The fungus thrives in warm, moist conditions. To manage Fusarium wilt, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid planting hyacinths in areas where Fusarium has previously been identified. Practice crop rotation by not planting hyacinths or other susceptible species in the same area year after year. While there are no effective fungicides available for Fusarium wilt once it is established, soil solarization can help reduce pathogen levels in infested soils.
Grey Mould
Grey mould is caused by Botrytis cinerea, which thrives in humid environments with poor air circulation. It manifests as a fuzzy greyish-brown mould on flowers, stems, and leaves. Infected plant parts may wilt and die prematurely. Overcrowding can exacerbate this condition by limiting airflow around the plants. To prevent grey mould, improve air circulation by properly spacing plants and avoiding overhead watering.
To minimise the impact of diseases on your hyacinths, implement good cultural practices such as proper soil preparation, careful planting techniques, appropriate irrigation management, and regular monitoring.
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