Hyacinth

Grow hyacinths in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and moderate fertility. Use bulb fertilizer sparingly according to soil needs, and remove faded flowers while leaving foliage to replenish the bulbs.

Sun

Full sun to part shade

Water

Moderate in spring

Spacing

5 in

First harvest

Fall-planted bulb; spring bloom

Tips

• Plant bulbs about 6 inches deep and 5 inches apart, wearing gloves to avoid skin irritation.
• Water after planting and during dry spring weather, but avoid wet soil during summer dormancy.
• Use a labeled bulb fertilizer in low-fertility soil without placing it directly against bulbs.
• Discard soft or moldy bulbs and improve drainage to prevent bulb rot.
• Cut off faded flower stalks but leave leaves until they turn yellow naturally.

Plant bulbs about 6 inches deep in fall, about 6 weeks before the ground freezes; warm-winter gardens may need prechilled bulbs.