frequently asked questions
should hyacinth bulbs be covered?
If you are planting them in containers indoors, they need to have their snouts just poking through the compost. If grown in the garden or in pots outside they are better planted about 10-15cm deep.
are hyacinths poisonous to cats and dogs?
As they belong to the lily family hyacinth bulbs can cause stomach problems if eaten by cats or dogs.
how long do hyacinths bloom?
This partly depends on the warmth of the room, but they should remain in bloom for 3 or 4 weeks.
are hyacinths perennials?
As bulbous plants hyacinths go dormant during the summer months, storing their energy to root and shoot again after a period of winter cold. So yes, they will come back year after year.
can you replant hyacinth bulbs?
Yes, you can. Hyacinths are very keen to naturalise in garden soil, although they might take a year or two to come back into full flowering mode.
do hyacinths spread?
They do not appear to set seed in our climate, but the bulb will gradually divide to create offsets so that your original single bulb becomes several smaller plants. These can be split off and moved into other areas if required.
do hyacinths rebloom?
If your hyacinth has flowered indoors, it will only flower once and then needs a period of dormancy before flowering again the following year. It will do this best if planted outside after flowering and allowed to die down naturally. Forced hyacinths may take a couple of seasons before they flower again if planted in the garden.
can hyacinths grow outside?
Yes, they are totally hardy as long as they have a free draining soil.
do hyacinths need full sun?
They flower best in full sun, but you will get a smaller more natural looking flower if grown in partial shade.
which hyacinth smells best?
Delft Blue is said to have the strongest scent. Our sense of smell is very personal though, and some people dislike the smell of hyacinths intensely.
are hyacinths good for bees?
Yes, they are a good early source of nectar, particularly for bumblebees coming out of hibernation.
