Hyacinth Care
Hyacinthus orientalis
A classic spring bulb known for its intensely fragrant flowers. It needs full sun, well-drained soil and a dry resting period in summer; after the flowers fade, the leaves should be allowed to die back on their own to feed the bulb.
Monthly care calendar
Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.
- Watering: Not required, natural rainfall is sufficient.
- General care: The leaves begin to emerge from the soil. Clear the weeds.
- Pests & diseases: Snails and slugs can damage young leaves. Frost protection is not needed.
- Watering: Not required, natural rainfall is sufficient.
- Fertilizing: Once the shoots are well developed, a bulb fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium (e.g. 5-10-10 NPK) can be applied; do not overapply.
- General care: Flower buds begin to rise from among the leaves.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, once a week (5-7 L/m²).
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
- Pruning: When flowering ends, cut only the flower stalk at the base to prevent seed formation. Never cut the leaves.
- General care: Enjoy the flowers.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- General care: During this period, the leaves feed the bulb for next year. Let the leaves yellow and die back on their own.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk. Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy soil that holds water, plant it on a raised mound or berm 20-30 cm high so that the root collar stays above the surrounding soil level.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Pruning: You can remove the completely dried leaves.
- General care: The bulbs are in summer dormancy. It is important to keep the area dry. If necessary (if crowded), this is a good time to lift the bulbs, separate them, and store them in a dry place.
- Pests & diseases: If you have lifted the bulbs, discard the rotten ones.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- General care: The bulbs are dormant in the soil. Avoid hoeing over them or planting other plants on top.
- Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
- General care: Around now (20 September), it is an excellent time to buy new hyacinth bulbs or prepare the ones you have set aside for planting. Wait until October–November to plant.
- Pests & diseases: Choose healthy, firm, unblemished bulbs.
- Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
- Fertilizing: During planting, a little bulb fertilizer (high in phosphorus) or bone meal can be mixed into the bottom of the bulb hole.
- General care: Plant the bulbs about 10-15 cm deep, 10-15 cm apart, with the tip facing up.
- General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
- General care: Planted bulbs begin to root below ground.
The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.
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