Learn how to plant hyacinths! Hyacinth bulbs require a winter chilling period of 12-14 weeks at 40-45 degrees F in order to flower properly. In colder zones where this naturally occurs in winter the bulbs can be planted directly into the garden in mid-late fall. However, in warmer zones that don’t receive this extended cold period the bulbs need to be prechilled in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for 12-14 prior to planting. When chilling, take care not to place the bulbs near ripening fruit such as apple or pears which give off Ethelyne gas and can cause the flower inside the bulb to become damaged.
Hyacinths should be planted in full sun and loose, well-draining soil. Plant the bulbs pointy side up, 4 to 6 inches deep, and 5 to 6 inches apart. Then backfill the area with soil. Generally, fall and winter rains provide adequate moisture, so don’t worry about watering unless the weather is unusually dry.
In early spring the leaves will start to emerge, and then in approximately 3 weeks the flowers will open. Each hyacinth bulb usually produces one flower stalk, although sometimes you’ll get a second or third stem with a smaller flower cluster.
Climate and growing conditions will influence how your hyacinths perform in future years. You can choose to treat them as annuals and plant new bulbs each fall, or if hyacinths return reliably in your area, you can leave them in the ground to perennialize.
If you want hyacinths to return in subsequent years, the foliage should be left to die back naturally which replenishes the bulbs reserves. After flowering, deadhead the bloom stalk at ground level. Then, once the leaves have yellowed and died back, cut off the dead foliage and leave the bulb in the ground to flower again next year.
