Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis
An ornamental plant, planted in September.
In September: force the hyacinth bulbs indoors (prepared bulbs only). It can be planted now. Wear gloves to handle the bulbs: they can irritate skin.
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Hyacinth, month by month
Bar: the usual months. Sprout: this month.
| Sowing, planting or job | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | 2027Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant hyacinth bulbs. | usual | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none |
| Mulch the hyacinth. | none | none | none | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none | none | none | none |
| Deadhead the hyacinth. | none | none | none | none | none | none | usual | usual | none | none | none | none |
| Force the hyacinth bulbs indoors (prepared bulbs only). | usual | usual | usual | usual | none | none | none | none | none | none | none | none |
What to do, and when
The usual months for a UK garden. Your own plan gives the week.
Handle it with care
Wear gloves to handle the bulbs: they can irritate skin.
Strong source: RHS.
Planting
Plant hyacinth bulbs in September, 10cm deep, 8cm apart. Strong sources: RHS and Gardeners’ World.
Mulch the hyacinth
Use leaf mould or compost; it is all they need to keep going year after year.
Usually December to February. Moderate source: Sarah Raven.
Deadhead the hyacinth
Usually March to April. Strong source: RHS.
Force the hyacinth bulbs indoors
For prepared bulbs only.
After planting, keep the bulbs dark and cool, ideally 9°C, so they grow a good root system.
Usually September to December. Strong source: RHS.
What the source words mean
Strong: the RHS page for this plant is among them.Moderate: another trusted UK source, or the RHS on its group.
What not to do
Don’t cut hyacinth leaves off after flowering
Let the leaves die down naturally after the flowers are over.
Moderate source: RHS.
Every line above names the page it comes from. Where we found no good source for a job, we left it out. Where the name “Hyacinth” comes from.