Hyacinths are fragrant spring bulbs with dense flower spikes. Oklahoma State University Extension advises planting them alongside tulips and daffodils in fall, 4 to 5 inches deep and about 5 inches apart, in groups of five or more. Bulbs can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling.
Hyacinth at a glance
| Type | Flower |
|---|---|
| Season | Perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Plant spacing | 5 in |
| Row spacing | 5 in |
| Per square foot | 1 |
| Seed depth | 4.5 in |
| Days to maturity | Potted bulbs need 10+ weeks of chilling |
| How to start | Plant bulbs from now through late fall, along with tulips and daffodils. |
| Water | 0.5 in per week |
These are the same numbers our plant spacing, square foot and harvest date calculators use. See every crop in the plant database.
When to plant hyacinth
Plant bulbs from now through late fall, along with tulips and daffodils. Use the frost dates by ZIP code and your growing zone to time it.
How to plant hyacinth
- Plant 4 to 5 inches deep, about 5 inches apart, in groups of five or more.
- Choose full sun; light shade works.
- Use well-drained soil that does not stay soggy.
- Forcing indoors: chill potted bulbs at 40 to 45°F for at least 10 weeks (an unheated garage works if they do not freeze). Use pots with drainage holes, bulbs about 2 inches apart with tops about 1 inch below the soil, then move to a sunny window.
Caring for hyacinth
Cut off flower spikes as soon as the flowers fade to encourage rebloom for more than a year. Many gardeners replant every couple of years because blooms gradually revert to single florets. See the garden watering calculator.
Companion plants
| Grow nearby | Tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs |
|---|---|
| Keep apart | Soggy soil |
Bulbs contain oxalic acid, which makes them unappealing to deer, chipmunks and voles. Check other pairings with the companion plant finder.
Common problems
| Problem | What you see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Itchy skin after handling bulbs | Bulbs can cause mild skin irritation, so wear gloves or wash your hands after handling. |
| Blooms thin out | Flower spikes get looser over time | Blooms gradually revert to single florets, so many gardeners replant every couple of years. |
Not sure what you are looking at? The plant problem identifier ranks likely causes from the symptoms you see.
When and how to harvest
Hyacinths are grown for flowers and fragrance. Cut spent spikes promptly.
Plan your hyacinth
- Plant spacing calculator: how many plants fit your bed
- Planting calendar: sowing and transplant dates for your frost dates
- Frost dates by ZIP code: your last spring and first fall frost
- Harvest date calculator: when your crop will be ready
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should I plant hyacinths?
Space hyacinths 5 inches apart in rows 5 inches apart. In a square foot garden, plant 1 per square foot.
How deep do I plant hyacinth bulbs?
Plant hyacinth bulbs 4 to 5 inches deep and about 5 inches apart.
How long do hyacinths take to grow?
Potted bulbs need at least 10 weeks of chilling at 40 to 45°F before moving to a sunny window to bloom.
How much water do hyacinths need?
About 0.5 inches of water a week, from rain and watering combined. Use well-drained soil that does not stay soggy.
How deep do I plant hyacinth bulbs?
4 to 5 inches deep and about 5 inches apart, in groups of five or more.
Are hyacinth bulbs irritating?
They can cause mild skin irritation, so wear gloves.
Do deer eat hyacinths?
Bulbs contain oxalic acid, which makes them unappealing to deer, chipmunks and voles.