Hyacinth

Hyacinthus

Toxic — Use Caution

Overview

Spring-blooming bulbs famous for their intoxicating fragrance, hyacinths produce dense spikes of bell-shaped flowers in vivid blues, purples, pinks, whites, and yellows. A single hyacinth can perfume an entire room, making them popular for indoor forcing. All parts are toxic, containing oxalic acid that can irritate skin, so gloves are recommended when handling bulbs.

Growing Conditions

LightPartial Sun

MoistureModerate

Hardiness Zones5 — 9

Height0.3m

Spread0.1m

Growth HabitForb/herb

Pollinator Valuehigh

Companion Planting & Soil

Good Companions

TulipDaffodilCrocus

Soil pH6 — 7

Soil TypeWell-drained, moderately fertile, sandy loam

Planting Calendar

When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.

Zone	Action	Months	Notes
Cold (1-2)	Transplant	Sep — Oct	Plant bulbs in fall 6" deep; intensely fragrant; needs cold to bloom
Cold (1-2)	Bloom	Apr — May	Mid-spring bloom; dense flower spike; one of the most fragrant bulbs
Cool (3-4)	Transplant	Sep — Oct	Plant in fall; fragrance is overpowering indoors — excellent forced bulb
Cool (3-4)	Bloom	Mar — Apr	Spring bloom; good cut flower; sap can irritate skin
Moderate (5-7)	Transplant	Oct — Nov	Plant in fall; flower spikes become looser/shorter after first year
Moderate (5-7)	Bloom	Mar — Apr	Early-mid spring bloom; flower loosens after first year but still blooms
Warm (8-9)	Transplant	Nov — Dec	Pre-chill bulbs 8-12 weeks; grow as annual in warm zones
Warm (8-9)	Bloom	Jan — Feb	Late winter bloom from pre-chilled bulbs
Hot (10+)	Transplant	Dec — Jan (wraps)	Pre-chill 12+ weeks; single-year bloom only
Hot (10+)	Bloom	Jan — Feb	Brief winter bloom; treat as annual

Uses

Other Uses

Intensely fragrant spring garden bulb
Indoor forcing for winter bloom and fragrance
Formal bedding displays and container plantings

Safety Notes

Poisonous, the sap can cause dermatitis[76]. The toxins are concentrated in the bulb[200].