Expert tips on how to care for hyacinths for longer lasting-blooms + bonus section on transferring hyacinth plants to your garden
With their vivid colours and enchanting fragrance, hyacinths are a timeless favourite for adding warmth and beauty to any setting.
Whether as a centrepiece, a thoughtful gift, or a cheerful accent in your home, these elegant blooms bring the essence of spring indoors.
Below are our top florist tips and tricks on how to care for potted hyacinths.
Meaning of Hyacinths
Beyond their stunning beauty, hyacinths hold deep symbolic meaning. In the language of flowers, they represent sincerity, playfulness, and devotion. Their captivating fragrance and rich hues make them a perfect choice for expressing heartfelt sentiments, whether in a bouquet, a potted arrangement, or a seasonal display.
Hyacinths bloom in a range of colours, each with its own subtle meaning—soft pastels for grace and joy, deep purples for admiration, and bright pinks for affection. Whatever message you wish to convey, there's a hyacinth to match.
Learn more about hyacinths in our flower reference guide.
How to Care for a Hyacinth Plant
Hyacinths are as easy to care for as they are beautiful. To keep them thriving, ensure they are placed in a pot with proper drainage and use a well-draining potting mix. Water them moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings to prevent overwatering.
These fragrant blooms prefer bright, indirect sunlight and will continue to bring joy with the right care. Once the flowers fade, allow the foliage to die back naturally—this helps the bulb store energy for future blooms. With a little attention, your hyacinths can return year after year, making them a lasting addition to your space.
How to Care for Cut Hyacinths in a Vase
Cut hyacinths can be a stunning addition to any room, but they need a little extra care to keep them looking their best. Here’s how to keep cut hyacinths fresh and vibrant in a vase:
- Fill the vase with lukewarm water and change it every 2-3 days. Hyacinths are thirsty flowers, so make sure they have enough water to prevent wilting.
- Before placing your hyacinths in water, cut about 1 inch off the stems at a diagonal angle. This helps them absorb water more effectively.
- Place your vase in a cool location, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, which can cause the flowers to fade prematurely.
- Remove any wilted flowers to prevent them from affecting the health of the remaining blooms.
Choosing the Best Pots for Hyacinth Plants
Before planting your hyacinths, it's important to choose the right pot to support healthy growth and blooming. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting pots for indoor or outdoor hyacinths:
- Size of the Pot:
- Hyacinth bulbs need room to grow, so choose a pot that's at least 6–8 inches deep. This gives the roots space to develop properly.
- For a single bulb, a pot with a 4–6 inch diameter is ideal. If planting multiple bulbs, make sure to leave about 1–2 inches of space between each bulb.
- Drainage:
- Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging and bulb rot. Always choose pots with drainage holes at the bottom.
- If your pot doesn’t have holes, consider adding a layer of gravel or use a saucer to help excess water drain away.
- Material:
- Terracotta or clay pots are good options, as they are breathable and allow moisture to evaporate. This will help prevent bulbs from staying too wet.
- Plastic pots can be another option because they are lightweight, affordable, and retain moisture well. Just be careful not to overwater, as they allow less airflow.
- Ceramic pots will also work, and are attractive and durable. Make sure they have drainage holes and monitor soil moisture carefully.
- Shape:
- Hyacinths do well in shallow, wide pots that provide enough space for root growth without crowding.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor:
- For indoor planting, any material works, though you might prefer a more decorative look.
- For outdoor use, go with weather-resistant pots like ceramic or thick plastic that can withstand temperature fluctuations.
- For Forcing Indoors:
- Forcing pots—often small and clear—are ideal for bringing hyacinths into bloom out of season. They let you monitor root development and are a popular choice for winter indoor displays.
How to Plant Hyacinths in Pots (Indoor)
If you’d like to enjoy the beauty of hyacinths indoors throughout the year, planting hyacinth bulbs in pots is a great option. Here are our tips for successful indoor hyacinth planting:
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Select a pot that’s at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes. Hyacinths need well-draining soil to thrive and prevent bulb rot.
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Use a well-draining potting mix. You can also add some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
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Plant the hyacinth bulbs in late fall or early winter. Place the bulbs with the pointed end facing up about an inch or so above the surface. Leave some space between bulbs if you are planting more than one.
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Hyacinths need a chilling period of 12-15 weeks to bloom indoors. After planting, place the pot in a cool (around 4°C-9°C) dark place for 12-15 weeks. A fridge or an unheated room works well.
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After the chilling period, move the pot to a sunny location where it will get bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In a few weeks, you’ll enjoy beautiful indoor blooms.
How to Plant Hyacinths Outdoors (Potting)
With the right care, hyacinth plants can also thrive outdoors in pots. Here’s how:
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Opt for a large, sturdy pot with good drainage. The pot should be deep enough to accommodate the bulb and provide ample room for growth.
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Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix.
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Pot your hyacinth bulbs in late fall or early spring, with the pointed side facing up. Space the bulbs 2-3 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Place the pots in a sunny, well-ventilated spot. When the weather gets colder in the fall, bring your potted hyacinths indoors. -
After bringing the pot indoors, place it in a cool, bright location, but away from direct sunlight. Water the plant lightly – don’t overwater. The indoor environment should be cooler, around 10°C to 15°C to mimic winter conditions and encourage the bulbs to stay dormant or grow slowly.
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If you’d rather leave your potted hyacinths outdoors for the winter, be sure to provide some winter protection. This could be as simple as wrapping the pot with burlap or moving it to a sheltered area, like a garage or shed, where it won't freeze solid.
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When the weather warms up in spring (typically after the last frost), you can move your potted hyacinths back outside, gradually reintroducing them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing the pots in a shaded spot for a few days before moving them to a sunnier location. Water them regularly as the weather warms.
Can you Transfer a Hyacinth Plant Outdoors?
Absolutely! If you’ve enjoyed a potted hyacinth indoors, you can plant it in your garden once the flowers have faded. With the right care, hyacinths will return year after year in Montreal’s climate.
How to Transfer Hyacinths Outdoors
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Let the leaves die back naturally – This helps the bulb store energy for next year’s blooms.
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Choose the right spot – Hyacinths love full sun and well-draining soil.
Plant the bulbs in fall – For best results, replant them in September or October, about 6 inches (15 cm) deep, with the pointed end facing up.
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Give them winter protection – Montreal winters can be harsh, so adding a layer of mulch can help insulate the bulbs.
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Enjoy the blooms in spring – Your hyacinths will naturally flower in April or May, bringing early colour to your garden.
Hyacinths are perennials, meaning they’ll return each year, though they may produce fewer flowers over time. To keep them thriving, fertilize in early spring and divide the bulbs every few years.
