Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs

Hyacinths are another bulb that can easily be forced to bloom early, providing a cheery indoor display for winter. Blossoms may be blue, pink, white, yellow, or red; they resemble Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) in shape, but are a different genus. Since all the nutrients needed to bloom are in the bulb, they do not need to be planted in potting soil for forcing. They can be grown in a container of glass marbles, or in special bulb vases.

A collection of hyacinths in glass bulb vases
on the kitchen window sill. The bulb vases
provide ample room for healthy roots.

Hyacinthus spp. are in the Liliaceae family, and native to the Mediterranean region, Asia Minor, and Syria. The hyacinth is a perennial bulbous herb that is tunicate, and typically planted in October for spring blooming. Forced hyacinths bulbs are rooted in a cool, dark place, and then brought inside to bloom. Alternatively, purchase the bulbs in fall and keep in the refrigerator for four to six weeks. This simulates the cold temperatures needed for encouraging the bulb to bloom early, once they are brought inside.