Hyacinths

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When to Plant Hyacinths There are two basic truths when it comes to planting hyacinth bulbs in Canada. First, hyacinths need a cold period in order to sprout. However, hyacinths are only hardy to Zone 3 or 4. In northern zones, you may need to lift your hyacinths over winter. Like most other spring-blooming bulbs, hyacinth bulbs should be planted in the autumn, or kept chilled over the winter. Hyacinths need a cold period to sprout, so plant your hyacinth bulbs after the temperature drops to 60 degrees or below, but before the earth is frozen solid. If you're keeping your hyacinths indoors, you'll still need to give them that cold period. Store your hyacinth bulbs in a cool garage or refrigerator (away from fruit, since fruit can encourage rot) and plant them outdoors when the weather warms enough to work the soil. Where to Plant Hyacinth Bulbs Hyacinth bulbs prefer full sun, and should receive at least six to eight hours per day. They also need well-drained soil, so don't choose a location where water puddles. You can add loam or compost to help improve soil drainage in heavy-soil locations. Other than providing nutritional, sun, and water needs, hyacinths are a plant with many possibilities! Tall hyacinths can be planted in the back of a bed or border, and this is an exceptionally nice choice for giant hyacinth varieties. These also make excellent container plants, and you may want them up close and personal on a porch or patio, so you can enjoy their beautiful spring fragrance. Or, naturalize a large patch of hyacinths for a statement in the garden. Whatever you choose, your hyacinths will be sure to steal the show in late spring. Caring for Hyacinth Bulbs After Flowering After hyacinths are done flowering, leave the foliage intact. However, you can cut off and discard faded flowers. Your hyacinths' leaves will die back a few weeks after the blooms fall off, and then you can cut off the leaves. Wait until the leaves die back before cutting back any foliage. The b