Hyacinths produce showy, fragrant blooms in the early to mid spring. They arise from a bulb planted in the autumn and have the ability to continue for years while producing bulblets to expand their size.

Like most bulb plants, hyacinths must have good soil drainage to prevent fungal rot diseases. They do not do well in extremely dry soils. Although they will still perform in a slightly shady site, they would prefer full sun.

The general rule for bulbs is that they should be planted in a hole about 2-3 times their height. Therefore, if the bulb is 2 inches tall, you need a 4 inch deep hole in clay soils and a 6 inch deep hole in sandy or loamy soils. Hyacinths are generally planted in the fall.

When the foliage appears in the spring, you can topdress the bulbs in the garden with a complete fertilizer. Remember that it takes time for the fertilizer to penetrate the soil down to the bulb and is only useful to the plant as long as the leaves are still green.

Root Rot - This causes a deterioration of the bulb and eventual death of the plant. Generally this type of rot only occurs in soils with poor drainage that allows the bulbs to be soaked in water for long periods of time.

As long as the hyacinths are rated as hardy for your particular climate zone, they should need no special winter care. Leave them in the ground and enjoy them the next spring.

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.