Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

How to plant hyacinths? When and where; Where and how? What is the appropriate depth, and what are the proper planting distances? These and other similar agonizing questions will be attempted to be answered in this article, which deep down – let us be frank – is nothing more than an allegory: A completely successful allegory (according to our sufficiently objective judgment) for the fruitlessness of the relationship between a mortal and a failed athlete and god by profession.

For before becoming this beautiful flower, Hyacinth was a beautiful young man with a tragic story. And the story of the beautiful Hyacinth is tragic, because he was unjustly taken from life due to a missed discus throw by the obviously terrible discus thrower, god, and lover Apollo (who later claimed that it was all the fault of Zephyrus, the West Wind and his rival).

However, this sad aspect of the unfortunate young man’s ill-fated life will not concern us at length here. Here—for the sake of brevity—we will refer to the unfortunate young man, viewing him solely as what Eros and the God made him: a mere bulb.

Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

Hyacinths are perennial bulbous plants suitable for both outdoor and indoor use; however, the varieties cultivated for ornamental purposes typically complete their life cycle in 2 to 4 years, while those grown for practical purposes are treated as annuals.

The recommended planting period for bulbs intended for the garden, patio, or balcony begins in September and lasts until the end of November.

Hyacinths thrive equally well in full sun as well as in light shade. In fact, a convenient spot for planting them is under deciduous trees. And it is convenient because they bloom well before the trees’ foliage reaches full growth.

To achieve an exceptional color effect, it is recommended to plant hyacinths in the ground:

• In groups of 5–12 bulbs of the same variety
• In combination with herbaceous and bulbous plants that bloom during the same period – provided there is sufficient space available

Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

Among climatic factors, temperature is -as it is for all plants, for that matter- a critical factor.

However, hyacinths’ tolerance to temperature fluctuations is remarkable. However, especially regarding low temperatures, although the bulbs exhibit exceptional cold hardiness, it is virtually essential to protect them from the freeze.

Thus, in areas where winter temperatures frequently drop below -5 to -8 °C, it is recommended to cover the soil surface where they are planted with a layer of straw or pine bark 8 to 10 cm thick.

This layer:

• Protects bulbs from freezing
• Adjusts the soil moisture so that it is always within a satisfactory range

With the temperature rise, this protective layer can be safely removed.

Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

The hyacinth grows much better in light, moderate fertility and with excellent drainage soils. When the type of soil is not known, an expert   way of finding it is the presence or absence of pond water.

If 5-6 hours after a heavy rain or abundant watering the soil has drained, then it is appropriate – only organic matter (compost or peat) needs to be added.

Otherwise, where the waters remain, the soil needs to be transformed, that is to say, the addition of materials that will improve its structure, making it suitable for planting the hyacinth bulbs.

The transformation is done by the addition of organic materials (compost or peat) and minerals such as perlite, vermiculite, zeolite, pumice for agricultural use and expanded clay.

On a light soil, an organic substance is added at a 2: 1 volume ratio of soil – organic substance (peat or compost).

In medium consistency soil is still added perlite, zeolite or pumice and the ratio becomes 1: 1: 1. 

If the soil to be planted the bulbs are more clayey (heavy), add peat or compost together with perlite, zeolite or pumice in a 1: 2: 1 ratio.

Prior to the incorporation of all materials into the soil, which will be treated to a depth of 40 cm, basic fertilization of the hyacinth is carried out, dispersing 80-100 g of type 10-10-10 fertilizer for each square meter.

Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

Prior to planting the bulbs in flower pots, window boxes or other types of pots, their excellent drainage is ensured. This is achieved by:

• Opening holes at the bottom of the planters
• Adding a layer of 3-5 cm thick of hazelnut size pumice stone to the bottom

Then the composition of the soil mixture (if no commercial potting soil mix for bulbs is selected) which should, among other things, retain the necessary moisture, while allowing air circulation in the bulb and rhizosphere area. For the preparation of such soil mix properties, the following materials and the proportion to which they are involved are proposed.

The soil mixture for the planting of hyacinth’s bulbs consists of:

• A part of high quality packaged soil for potted plants
• A part of peat or compost
• A part of perlite or zeolite

Immediately after preparation, the soil mixture must be watering.

Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

Planting operations are carried out always by wearing gloves because the contact of naked skin with the surface of the bulb may cause an allergic reaction.

Planting can be done, as for most bulbous species, either in separate locations or in groups.

In separate places a hole is opened and a hyacinth bulb is planted. In group planting the bulbs are placed in grooves or in a wider area after the soil has been shifted. Then they are covered with the soil and the ground is slightly pressed.

The hyacinths planting in the warm areas of the south is carried out at a depth of 10 to 15 cm while in the northern and cooler areas the bulbs are placed at a depth of 15 to 20 cm.

The distance from bulb to bulb ranges from 8 to 15 cm. After the planting process is completed, there is plenty of watering.

Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

Containers, pots or window boxes where the hyacinth bulbs will be planted, as opposed to planting in the garden, should be completely exposed to the sun.

Suitable pots for planting bulbs are those whose depth is equal to or greater than 20 cm. If many bulbs are planted together in a pot, the distance between them is recommended to be 5 to 8 cm for a better aesthetic result.

Planting is always done by wearing gloves. Initially, a quantity of soil mixture is dropped to about 1/3 of the pot. Then the bulb is placed and covered with the soil mixture up to 2-3 cm distance from the lips of the pot.

Immediately after that there is plenty of watering.

Hyacinthus: When, Where and How to Plant Hyacinths

With Pomp and Circumstance

The unique, groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind (… etc.) R.E.M. on (guess what?) Shiny Happy People.