A guide to growing hyacinths
Hyacinths are stunning spring showstoppers. Big, bright and bursting with fragrance, they’re great for indoor and outdoor spaces Hailing from the Eastern Mediterranean region, hyacinth bulbs have made themselves right at home in Aussie gardens and homes. Easy to grow, give hyacinths just a little bit of love and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular blooms year after year.
Top 4 tips for growing hyacinths
1. Hyacinths need a little bit of cold to get going, so plant them in late summer or early autumn for the best shot at bountiful blooms.
2. Space your bulbs far apart to give them room to grow (and to avoid root rot).
3. Hyacinths hate wet feet. Keep your soil most, but never soggy.
4. Add mulch in winter to keep them frost-free.
Varieties of hyacinths
Hyacinths belong to the same family as asparagus and come in every colour of the rainbow. Oriental Hyacinth is the most common type, but there are heaps to choose from.
- Pink hyacinths: China Pink, Johanna, Orange Lion
- Yellow hyacinths: Yellowstone
- Dark blue/blue hyacinths: Sky Jacket, Blue Trophy
- Orange hyacinths: Orange Lion
- White hyacinths: White Pearl, Louvre
- Purple hyacinths: Purple Star, Splendid Cornelia
Growing conditions
Light
Hyacinths love the sun but won’t sulk if they get a little shade either. Plant them in groups – it not only looks great, but they can huddle together for protection when harsh weather hits.
Temperature
Hyacinths are happiest in in mild to cool, sunny climates, although warmer weather brings out their fragrance. Somewhere between 15–20°C is best. Expecting frost? Just add some mulch to protect the bubs.
Soil
Go for well-drained, nutrient-rich, weed-free soil. Add compost or a bulb fertiliser for happy and healthy roots and blooms.
Growing hyacinths outdoors
When to plant hyacinths
Late summer or early autumn is prime planting time. Hyacinths need a burst of cold to fully develop.
Planting hyacinths in the garden
1. Pick a sunny or semi-shaded spot.
2. Dig a hole 20–25cm deep for big bulbs.
3. Pop your bulbs in with the pointy end up.
4. Top with soil, water, and add mulch.
Growing hyacinths indoors
Preparing the soil for indoor hyacinths
Growing indoors? Pick a compact variety for pots and use nutrient-rich soil, such as a mix of compost and peat-free potting mix.
Choosing the right pots for indoor hyacinths
Go for a medium-sized pot with drainage holes. Give your hyacinth room to grow - don’t plant them too close together.
Planting hyacinths in pots
To grow in pots:
1. Fill the pot with soil.
2. Pop your bulbs in, pointy ends up!
3. Top with soil and water.
4. Pop the pot in a cool, shady spot over winter. Thy need things to be slightly chilly to develop properly.
5. By late winter, you can move them to a warmer spot.
Hyacinths care
Feeding and watering
Feed your outdoor hyacinths with Scotts Osmocote® Controlled Release Fertiliser: All Purpose in early spring for healthy leaves and flowers. Start feeding as soon as you see new shoots.
Indoor hyacinths need less food. Regular watering is more important but avoid overwatering. Let the soil dry out between waterings, and water from the bottom to avoid rot.
Protecting hyacinths during winter
You might be tempted to bring your hyacinths indoors during winter, but hyacinths need a bit of cold to bloom properly. Mulch your outdoor hyacinths to keep them cozy on frosty nights. For potted hyacinths, just pop them in a protected, cool spot, like your garden shed.
How to water hyacinths
Hyacinths need regular watering, especially during their peak growing and flowering period. To avoid issues like root rot or fungal infections, follow these tips:
- Outdoor hyacinths: Keep your soil moist but not soggy. Be especially careful if it’s raining a lot.
- Indoor hyacinths: Water from the bottom popping the pot in water. Wetting the bulbs or leaves can lead to rot.
If you accidentally overwater your plants, allow the soil to dry out slightly and keep an eye out for signs of stress, like wilting or sad leaves.
Common pests and diseases in hyacinths
While hyacinths are generally hardy, they can attract a few pesky pests and diseases. Here’s what to watch out for:
Grey mould
This mould often appears as a greyish coating on the leaves and flowers, especially during wet weather. Space your plants far apart to give them plenty of room to breathe, and snip off any mouldy looking leaves as they appear.
Hyacinth mosaic virus (HMV)
Yellow streaks, deformation, and stunted growth could mean a case of mosaic virus. Sadly, there’s no cure. Ditch the infected plant to keep your other plants safe.
Bulb rot
Usually caused by overwatering. This is why well-draining soil and drainage holes in pots is so important.
Frequently asked questions about hyacinths
When to plant hyacinth bulbs in Australia
Late summer to early autumn in grow time! The bulbs need some time to chill for vibrant blooms in spring.
When do hyacinths bloom?
Hyacinths bloom in spring.
Can I grow hyacinths indoors year-round?
Yes, but they need a period of cold to bloom. After flowering, move the bulbs to a cool spot to rest before replanting them for next season.
What to do with hyacinth bulbs after flowering
After flowering, let the leaves die naturally. This helps them send energy back into the bulbs. If your hyacinths are in pots, you can move them into the garden or pop them in a cool, dry place until replanting in autumn.
Can hyacinths grow in tropical climates?
Hyacinths aren’t huge fans of hot, humid weather, but if you live somewhere tropical, you can grow them as annuals or keep them in pots so they can be moved around to a cooler spot when things heat up.
