Hyacinth Mix

Hyacinth bulbs are planted in fall so they can chill through winter and bloom in early spring. Unpack them right away, check that they feel firm, and store them in a cool, dry, dark spot until you're ready to plant.

Planting

1. Pick your spot. Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains freely; avoid low areas where water sits.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the top 8-10 inches of soil and mix in compost if your ground is heavy clay.
3. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 4-6 inches deep with the pointed end facing up.
4. Space them out. Leave 3-6 inches between bulbs, and plant in clusters of 5 or more for the best color and fragrance impact.
5. Water in. Backfill, firm the soil gently, and water thoroughly once after planting.

Watering

• Fall and spring. Keep soil lightly moist while roots and shoots are active; about an inch of water per week including rain.
• After bloom. Taper off watering as foliage yellows, and keep bulbs on the dry side through summer dormancy.

Feeding

• At planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
• Each spring. Feed again as shoots emerge to build up the bulb for next year's flowers.

After Blooming

• Remove spent flowers. Snip off faded flower spikes to keep the planting tidy.
• Leave the leaves. Let foliage die back naturally before removing it; it recharges the bulb.
• Mulch lightly. A 2 inch layer of mulch protects bulbs over winter in colder zones.

Forcing Indoors

1. Pot them up. Plant bulbs in a container of well-drained potting mix with the tips just at the surface.
2. Chill first. Keep the pot at 40-45 degrees F in the dark for 10-13 weeks, watering sparingly.
3. Bring into light. Move to a bright, cool room once shoots appear, and blooms will follow in a few weeks.

When should I plant hyacinth bulbs?

Plant in fall, ideally a few weeks before your ground freezes. The bulbs need a cold period over winter in order to bloom in early to mid spring.

How many bulbs come in a pack?

Each pack contains 25 bulbs sized 14-15 cm, which is a top-size grade for large flower spikes.

Can I choose the colors?

No. This is a pre-selected mix of colorful hyacinth varieties chosen to bloom together, so the exact color combination varies by pack.

Will hyacinths come back every year?

Yes. They are hardy perennial bulbs in zones 4-9. Let the foliage die back naturally and feed each spring to keep flower size strong in future years.

Are hyacinths deer resistant?

Hyacinths are generally avoided by deer and rodents thanks to their taste and scent, making them one of the more animal-resistant spring bulbs.

Are hyacinth bulbs toxic to pets?

Yes, hyacinth bulbs and foliage can cause vomiting and irritation if eaten by dogs or cats. Plant where curious pets dig less, and handle bulbs with gloves if your skin is sensitive.