Types Of Hyacinth Bulbs

Written by Phil Dubley
Published: March 8, 2023
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Hyacinth bulbs blossom in the middle of spring, illuminating the landscape with radiant colors and a delicious fragrance. Similarly to other spring-flowering bulbs, hyacinths are very easy to grow.

In this article, you’ll learn about the many types of hyacinths available. Furthermore, you’ll discover every essential detail you need to plant these flowers in your garden.

hyacinth bulbs

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) bulbs, also known as Dutch hyacinths, belong to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).

©Jullex51/Shutterstock.com

What are Hyacinth Bulbs

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) bulbs, also known as Dutch hyacinths, belong to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae). They bloom in the spring and have long, slender leaves and a raceme of flowers. Each flower contains six colorful petals. You can plant them in a garden, in a pot, or forced into a jar.

Hyacinths come in various sizes and occur in a rainbow of colors, such as pink, red, yellow, lavender, and deep blue. Throughout the summer, hyacinth plants hide within their bulbs, where they remain until the following spring.

Types of Hyacinth Bulbs

Based on the arrangement of their flowers, they can classify into the following categories:

  • Single-flowered varieties have a single stem protruding from each bulb. The flowers tend to be large and wide open. They are the most common type of hyacinth bulb and are used for forcing indoors during the winter.
  • Double-flowered varieties often have smaller but more intricate flowers with more petals. These bulbs produce flower spikes with large, densely packed double flowers that resemble roses. They come in a wide range of colors.
  • Multiflora varieties produce several stems and flower clusters from each bulb. They tend to have a more natural look and are reminiscent of wildflowers.
  • Top-size bulbs are the most mature hyacinth bulbs and produce the most robust flowers. They are often more expensive than smaller bulbs but are worth the investment for gardeners who want the best possible results.
  • Pre-cooled bulbs are chilled to simulate winter temperatures and then forced indoors during the winter. They can help ensure the bulbs bloom reliably and on schedule, even in warmer indoor environments.

All hyacinth bulbs produce flowers for 2–3 weeks in spring. They require a cold period over the winter to bloom properly.

Best Types of Hyacinth 

Large flower bed with multi-colored hyacinths

There’s almost no limit to the number of hyacinths available.

©Kateryna Mashkevych/Shutterstock.com

There’s almost no limit to the number of hyacinths available. From tall, vibrant blue flowers to elegant, more subtle pastel colors, there are options for every type of garden and aesthetic.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Aiolos’ – An elegant look

These white star-shaped flowers will give your garden a special touch of sophistication and elegance. They are a lovely alternative for outdoor weddings and can have a delicious scent.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Blue Jacket’ – A vibrant flower

This bold hyacinth is famous for its brilliant cobalt blue trumpet-shaped flowers, with each petal sporting a darker purple stripe. These hyacinths are among the tallest and most colorful ones on the market. 

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Delft Blue’ – A classic beauty

These beautiful lilac flowers with angular spice-like racemes can grow up to 30 cm tall. Whether pushed indoors throughout the winter or planted in the spring, they do well.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Apricot Passion’ – An original choice

This stunning cultivar comes in white, peach, and blush pink shades. These flowers are a subtle but unique choice that will make your garden stand out.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘City of Haarlem’ – The yellow option

This variety is the best choice if you are looking for a summerly, warm, colorful look. Its butter-yellow flowers, happy in either full sun or light shade, bloom in about 2-3 weeks.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Carnegie’ – White beauty

Representing harmony, beauty, and elegance, the whitest kind of hyacinths are the Carnegie. Their slender-petaled flowers range from snow-white to ivory. 

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Gipsy Queen’ – Unique orange look

Ever come upon an orange hyacinth? Gypsy Queen hyacinths appear in coral, peach, and salmon and are among the most uncommon. They will give your garden a vibrant, colorful appearance.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Hollyhock’ – Vibrant Fuchsia 

This hyacinth is a real eye-catcher, proudly displaying its vivid fuchsia-hued double-flowered flowers. Unlike some taller varieties, this short hyacinth won’t need staking for additional support.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Lady Derby’ – Timeless and elegant

This option is a timeless classic that has been a favorite with gardeners since its inception in the late 1800s. It certainly lives up to its feminine name with its sophisticated, elegant blush rose petals.

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Woodstock’ – A shocking red-burgundy

Woodstock will provide a deep wine burgundy color that will eventually turn more purple as it matures. They are also one of the most fragrant spring bulbs.

Any of these hyacinth bulb colors would make a stunning addition to your spring garden with their bright flowers and intense fragrance.

How to Grow Hyacinth Bulbs

Hyacinth bulbs

The easiest way to grow hyacinths is from bulbs, readily available at nurseries and garden centers.

©PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock.com

The easiest way to grow hyacinths is from bulbs, readily available at nurseries and garden centers. The bulbs should be planted in late fall and early winter, as they must be exposed to cold temperatures before they bloom.

Place the bulbs pointy-end in rows or holes about six inches deep and six inches apart. Then, cover with soil and water generously. Afterward, they can be left to their own devices until the buds come out in early spring.

Finally, after your hyacinths have bloomed, remove the spent blooms and trim the stems, keeping only the leaves. It will redirect energy back into the bulb to produce the following year’s flowers.

Hyacinths can also be grown from seed, although only the most patient gardeners should do this, as they have a slow maturing process. It can take years for the bulb to form and much longer for the blooms to show.

Sun Exposure

Try to strive for at least six hours of sunlight every day since hyacinths thrive in full sun, though they can also withstand some light shade. 

Water

Hyacinths are not particularly thirsty plants. The normal cycle of winter and spring rains is usually adequate for healthy growth. Thus, try to give them additional water during dryer times.

Hardiness

Hyacinths are winter hardy, suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8. These plants do best at average humidity levels of around 50 percent. If the ambient humidity is too dry, they may have difficulty flowering in spring.

Food

The best way to feed your hyacinths is to work a small amount of bulb food into the soil just before planting. It helps them establish a healthy root system over the winter.

You won’t necessarily need to provide a lot of extra fertilizer, though it won’t hurt them, especially in the early spring.

Winter time

Established hyacinths need very little attention during the winter months. If you live in a cold climate, you can mulch the base of the plant to provide additional frost protection. 

How to force them indoors

Hyacinth bulbs

Although they are outdoor plants, hyacinths can be grown indoors with some success.

©Rudenko Alla/Shutterstock.com

Although they are outdoor plants, hyacinths can be grown indoors with some success.

Here are some tips for growing hyacinth bulbs indoors:

First and foremost, use a container that is at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. It can be a ceramic pot, bulb pan, or planter. Then, fill the bottom of the container with potting mix, leaving the top 2 inches empty.

  1. Plant the bulbs: Put them in the container with their roots downward and near one another without touching them. Then, fill in the bulbs with more potting mix. Be sure to cover the bulbs just enough that the tops are still visible.
  2. Apply cold treatment: For 12–16 weeks, keep the pot in a cool place, such as a garage or basement, to allow the bulbs to become dormant.
  3. Move inside and water: Following the cold treatment, bring the pot indoors and position it in a bright area before watering. Try to keep the soil wet but not soggy.
  4. Fertilize the bulbs: Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks to the bulbs after shoots start to appear to fertilize them. After the blooms begin to open, stop fertilizing.
  5. Watch them bloom: Hyacinth flowers will bloom 2-3 months after planting. Appreciate their beauty and aroma for the next two to three weeks.
  6. After flowering: Move the pot outdoors and leave until the foliage dies back. Replant the bulbs in the fall after keeping them in a cold, dry spot.

Conclusion: A stunning variety

While tulips and daffodils may get more attention, hyacinths are the “connoisseur’s choice” for spring blooms. Their flowers are exquisite, their fragrance is unmatched, and their beauty shines through. 

Whether you plant them in the garden, force them indoors, or let them naturalize in a wildflower meadow, hyacinth bulbs delight with their vibrant blooms and sweet fragrance.

These bulbs can provide years of beauty and enjoyment with some care and attention. Your garden will soon explode with color, bust with pollinators, and smell exquisite.

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©


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About the Author

My name is Phil Dubley, I am a Canadian living in Argentina, but tomorrow I could be writing from anywhere else. Throughout my life, I've been in love with nature: plants, animals, people, and everything in it. I have a passion for wild animals - snakes, sharks, and felines have always fascinated me. As for plants, I love succulents. I have a collection of over ten different varieties on my terrace. Also, I use the hemp plant as CBD oil for sleep: it has been the only thing to tackle my insomnia effectively. I want to share all my knowledge about the areas I am passionate about with others who feel the same way. I hope you enjoy my articles, and in each one, you learn something new!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are the ideal conditions for planting hyacinth bulbs?

Well-drained, rich soil with organic matter is ideal for hyacinth bulb growth. They need either full sun or light shade to grow.

How long does it take for hyacinth bulbs to bloom? 

Hyacinth bulbs typically require 12 to 16 weeks of cold winter weather before they bloom.

How deep should I plant the bulbs? 

Hyacinth bulbs should be placed 6 to 8 inches deep, as measured from the bulb’s base to the soil’s top. The developing point of the bulbs should be facing up, and the roots should be downward.

Are hyacinth bulbs poisonous?

Ingesting excessive amounts of the hyacinth plant can result in vomiting, nausea, and other gastrointestinal disorders. So, to be safe, keep hyacinths away from children and dogs.

Also, avoid planting them with your hands directly since they might irritate sensitive skin. For protection, put on gloves.

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