When Can I Plant Potted Hyacinth?

If you have recently fallen in love with the beautiful and fragrant hyacinth flowers, you may be wondering when is the best time to plant them. While hyacinths can be planted both indoors in a potted plant and outdoors in the ground, the timing of planting varies depending on which method you choose.

Planting Potted Hyacinth Indoors

If you have bought a potted hyacinth from a nursery or a florist, you can enjoy the blooms indoors before transplanting the plant outdoors. The best time to plant a potted hyacinth outdoors is in the fall, so it has enough time to establish its roots before the winter frost arrives.

If you don't want to wait until the fall to plant your hyacinth outdoors, you can start the process of acclimating the plant to outdoor conditions in the spring. Place the potted hyacinth outdoors in a protected area where it can get some sun but not be exposed to harsh winds or freezing temperatures. Gradually increase the amount of time the plant spends outdoors each day until it is acclimated to its new environment.

Planting Hyacinth Bulbs Outdoors

If you want to plant hyacinths directly in your garden bed, the best time to do so is in the fall, around six weeks before the ground begins to freeze. This will give the bulbs enough time to establish roots before the winter frost sets in.

Hyacinth bulbs prefer rich, well-draining soil and a location that receives full to partial sun. Dig a hole that is about three times the size of the bulb and plant it with the pointed end facing upward. Cover the bulb with soil and water well.

Caring for Hyacinths

Whether you plant your hyacinths indoors or outdoors, they require similar care to thrive. Water your hyacinths regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Be careful not to overwater, as hyacinths are prone to root rot.

Fertilize your hyacinths with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and fall, and deadhead the flowers as soon as they begin to wilt. Once the flowers have faded, you can cut back the foliage but leave the bulbs in the ground to bloom again the following year.

With a little bit of care and attention, your hyacinths will reward you with beautiful blooms and a heavenly fragrance year after year.