For over 400 years hyacinths have been popular spring-flowering bulbs, beloved for their colorful blooms and delightful floral fragrance. Modern day varieties are hybrids of a single species (Hyacinthus orientalis) that grows wild in Turkey, Syria, and other regions in the eastern Mediterranean. Over 50 cultivars are listed by Dutch growers.

Centuries of breeding have given gardeners taller and larger floral spikes, mostly double florets that are tightly packed along the stem. Each hyacinth bulb produces a single 8 -12 inch tall flower stalk. Flowers open in mid-spring around the same time as daffodils and early tulips.

Shades of purples and blues are very common, including Blue Jacket (royal blue), Delft Blue (soft lilac blue), and Miss Saigon (deep lavender blue) Aida (violet-blue). Other color choices include Woodstock (burgundy), Jan Bos (hot pink), Carnegie (white), Gipsy Queen (salmon), and City of Haarlem (pale yellow).

Hyacinth bulbs are planted in mid to late fall. Choose a planting area with well-drained soil. Full sun is best, particularly if you desire bulbs to re-bloom for several years. Hyacinths will grow in light shade, but multi-year planting numbers gradually decline. For visual impact, plant the bulbs in groups of 5 or more, spaced about 5 inches apart on center and 5 to 8 inches deep.

In the mid-Atlantic and mid-South states, (zones 5-7), hyacinths grow well in outdoor containers or mixed with other spring bulbs. You may also force hyacinth bulbs in pots that are chilled outdoors, or in unheated garages/sheds, or in refrigerators. Bring pre-chilled bulbs in your home for floral display winter into spring.

Like tulips, newly planted hyacinths perform at their best the first planting year. Some gardeners will grow bulbs for 2-3 years and redo the planting bed. Botanical gardens sow hyacinths and tulips as annuals. Hyacinth bulbs may re-bloom for several years, but lose their vigor and flower size. Soil-borne diseases will also reduce their numbers.

Once flowers have wilted and faded in spring, clip off the flower stalks to re-energize bulbs for next spring. Allow the green foliage to grow until it dies back in late May or early summer. Bulbs enjoy a dry summer dormancy in ground.

Favorite Bulb Emporium: Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, VA. Shop on-line or mail order.