Hyacinth

~ By Blesha ~

The Hyacinth was first cultivated in Austria in the 1500's, and was brought to Western Europe in the 16th century. The bulbs of the Hyacinth are now grown in Great Britain and the Netherlands.

The flowers come in different colours, and usually they are white, pink, peach or blue. There are also some that are in the colours navy, egg-yolk yellows, soft oranges and dark wine purples.

When planting Hyacinths, it's best to plant them in well drained soil, and in a place with full sun to partial shade. Hyacinths are also one of the easiest bulbs to grow in pots. To force the hyacinths indoors, you need a hyacinth bulb vase. Those you can get at most garden centres, in many different colours and shapes.

The following information on planting hyacinths is taken from this website:

http://brecks.com/article.asp?ai=505

1. Place the bulb in the top of the vase. Fill the vase with water to just below the bulb (add a piece of charcoal to help prevent algae growth). Place the vase in a cool, dark place for two months. Check the water level weekly to make sure it is just under the base of the bulb.

2. After eight to ten weeks, place the vase in a dimly lit place. By now you should see roots extending into the water and a shoot growing upwards. If the roots have not developed well enough, put the bulb back in the dark for a few weeks more.

3. Over the next three weeks, slowly bring the vase into a warmer, brighter position, but no more than 65 degrees. Too much heat at this stage can result in a rush into flowering before the stem has developed enough height.

4. Four to six weeks after bringing the vase out of the dark, your hyacinth will be in full bloom! Keep it in a bright spot with diffused light. Full sun will cause it to age quickly. After flowering, transplant into your garden.

         

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