The sweet scent of flowering Hyacinths is truly a delight. These upstanding bulbs provide plenty of colour and vibrancy to the garden. Hyacinths come in a myriad of colours from whites, pinks and blues, to mauves, lemons and carmines, there is bound to be a colour to fit into most colour schemes in the garden. Not all Hyacinth flowers are fragrant though. An ideal picking flower, they last in a vase for a week or more. Hyacinths are an easy addition to any garden or woodland area.
3 steps to planting HYACINTHS
prepare
Be greedy and plant plenty of bulbs to make a real statement, once Hyacinth start flowering you’ll want more rather than less. Hyacinths require a deeply worked, moist soil with good drainage. Plant in full sun or semi-shade. Too much heat can affect flowering, so it’s vital to keep bulbs well-watered and the root zone cool where possible. Hyacinths may struggle in hot, humid areas.
Some favourite varieties to look out for are China Pink, Grape Hyacinth, Gypsy Queen, Kind of the Blues, Snow Crystal and Woodstock.
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Bulb Mix. To help with flowering, use a side-dressing at planting time of Tui Bulb Food. Check individual planting instructions. Plant each bulb twice the width of the bulb. Always water well after planting.
PLANT
The best times to plant are early in the morning, or late in the day so the plants aren't exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Directions for planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Bulb Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
Directions for potting plants
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Half fill your container with Tui Bulb Mix.
- Gently take the plant from the current container, loosen the root ball and remove any loose or dead plant material and roots.
- Position the plant in the centre of the new container and fill with Tui Bulb Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Gently firm mix around the base of the plant. The mix should be at the same level on the plant as it was in the previous container.
- Water your plant well and continue to water regularly.
nourish
Feed your plants and they will reward you. Replenishing the nutrients used by your plants ensures your plants grow to their full potential. Feed your Hyacinths with Tui Bulb Food or use an all-purpose variety such as Tui NovaTec® Premium Fertiliser. Fertilise in spring and autumn to ensure a blooming display.
A well-watered, well-nourished garden will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay. While your Hyacinths are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost.
Protect your Hyacinths from hungry snails and slugs by laying Tui Quash.