What to Do With Hyacinth Bulbs in September for a Glorious Festive Display
Start the preparations this month and you'll have beautiful blooms by December
It may seem a little early for some to start thinking about the holidays. However, if you're planning a beautiful festive display with indoor hyacinths, the bulbs do need some prepping this month.
With their array of different colors – from deep purple, pale lavender and bright pink to soft yellow, blush tones and bright white – hyacinths make a charming scented centrepiece or festive floral display. It's a task that's well worth investing some time in.
From bulb selection, planting and chilling requirements, to storage and timing, discover how to grow hyacinth bulbs in containers, like these prepared white pearl hyacinths from Etsy. Follow these expert-recommended tasks, and you can have beautiful blooms for December.
1. Bulb Selection
Different hyacinth varieties require planting at different times, depending on the cultivar. Some varieties, such as 'Anna Marie', can bloom in as little as ten weeks, while others, like 'Pink Pearl', can take up to thirteen weeks.
This generally includes 8-10 weeks in cold conditions and the last two to three weeks indoors, so check the specifics of the cultivars you choose and work backwards to know exactly when to plant them.
'Whatever the color or cultivar you opt for, look for hyacinths labelled "prepared", "pre-chilled" or sold specifically for Christmas forcing,' explains Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist from Flowerbulb.eu.
'Since hyacinths typically bloom in spring, these bulbs have been given special cooling treatment to promote earlier flowering and are far more reliable than ordinary hyacinths.
'Select large and firm bulbs, making sure they have no soft areas, mold, or damage. Large bulbs contain more stored energy and can produce more substantial flowers.'
These 'Delft Blue' prepared hyacinth bulbs from Etsy come in a pack of five and should be planted straight away.
Peggy Anne is a horticulturist with more than 35 years of experience in the industry in the Netherlands and the U.S. Her home garden has appeared on television, in several gardening books, and in many magazines. Today, she is a representative for Dutch Royal Anthos, the largest consortium of Dutch bulb growers and exporters in the U.S. and Canada.
2. Mixing Varieties
Whether you want your potted hyacinths to open at the same time or staggered for an extended display over the holiday period, bloom timing is key.
'If I’m planting several varieties together in the same container, I only combine bulbs with similar forcing times,' says Tabar Gifford, master gardener at American Meadows.
'For instance, ‘Delft Blue’ and another early-forcing variety, such as ‘Jan Bos ’, can give me a coordinated display rather than one finishing while the other is still just a green shoot.
'I generally don’t mix an early forcer with a late one like ‘City of Haarlem’ in the same pot; instead, I’ll pot the late variety separately and start it earlier if needed so it catches up.
'For color, I love pairing a classic blue like ‘Delft Blue’ with a moody, deep purple like ‘Woodstock’, or a soft yellow like ‘City of Haarlem’ against a crisp white ‘Carnegie’ for real festive contrast.'
If you’re displaying multiple pots together rather than combining varieties in one container, you have more flexibility, since you can stagger your planting dates so everything opens around the same week.
These 'Jan Bos' forced hyacinth bulbs from Etsy have a deep pink color for a dramatic display.
3. Planting Hyacinth Bulbs
If your cultivar takes ten weeks or longer to bloom in the cold, plant hyacinth bulbs in September (or early October at the latest) if you want them to flower for Christmas.
Single small hyacinth plants make lovely table decorations. However, for larger holiday displays you may want to cluster different colors together or plant a mass of one single tone for impact.
'Plant the bulbs in any well-draining potting mix and close enough that the bulbs are just touching,' says Peggy Anne. 'Cover small bulbs with ½ inch of soil and larger bulbs up to their tips. Water them, and put in a cool (but not freezing) dark place.'
For a simple holiday display, plant several prepared hyacinth bulbs together in a shallow pot or decorative holiday bowl filled with well-draining soil, like this organic potting mix from Burpee.
It's always best to protect your hands when handling hyacinth bulbs, as they can cause skin irritation. These pretty printed gardening gloves from Target are comfortable, durable, and washable.
'Set the bulbs close together, with their tips just above the soil,' says Peggy Anne. 'Once they're ready follow the same instructions as above. The clustered bulbs create a full, fragrant centerpiece for a holiday table, mantel or windowsill.'
'When you’re forcing bulbs, you want to plant much shallower than most people expect,' says Tabar. 'I nestle the bulbs close together in the container, almost touching, with their shoulders and noses exposed above the soil or bulb fiber line.
'It should look like the bulb is sitting in the pot rather than buried in it. Orientation matters, too: always pointy end (the nose) up, root plate down; that’s true whether you’re forcing in soil, bulb fiber, or a water glass.'
"Prepared" hyacinth bulbs can also be planted in glass bulb vases. These are shaped like an hourglass allowing the bulb to sit above the water, and the roots to grow down into it. 'Keep the water just below the bottom of the bulb,' says Peggy Anne. 'The bulb itself should not sit in water.'
This set of three DAKSJUS mixed color vases from IKEA would make a stylish display.
'These still need the full chilling period before they come into the light,' says Tabar. 'The roots sense the water and will grow down toward it, but keep the base of the bulb just above the water rather than sitting in it, as direct contact can encourage rot.'
As the Partnership Cultivator at American Meadows and High Country Gardens, Tabar Gifford, a Master Gardener, Pollinator Steward Certified and dedicated “plant geek,” passionately fosters connections. With a lifelong love for gardening and nature, and a background in environmental studies and sustainable community development, she combines horticultural expertise with a commitment to education. Tabar gardens in zone 4 in Vermont.
4. Storage and Chilling Requirements
Where you keep your potted Hyacinth bulbs will depend on the temperatures in your region. Those who experience chilly winters can store their bulbs in a shed or garage outside, while those in warmer zones may need to refrigerate them.
'Keep potted bulbs in a cool, dark spot such as a cold garage or basement,' says Peggy Anne. 'Aim for temperatures around 40–48°F and keep the soil lightly moist throughout the chilling period.
'If temperatures are suitable, you can also place the pots outdoors and let the weather provide the chilling. A layer of leaves or mulch can help insulate them, while chicken wire can keep rodents away.
'You can also chill bulbs in the refrigerator, but keep them away from fruit. Fruit releases ethylene gas, which can interfere with the bulbs' development.'
These plant labels from Lowe's will remind you which varieties you have planted.
5. Forced Bulbs vs Regular Bulbs
“Prepared”, "forced" or “pre-chilled” hyacinth bulbs need less time to bloom as growers have already started the cold treatment – and they are a more reliable option if you want to see this spring flower during the holiday season. However, Tabar explains that ordinary hyacinth bulbs can be used indoors too, if given adequate cold treatment.
'You can begin the chilling process yourself with regular bulbs,' says Tabar. 'Hyacinths need a sustained period of cold – essentially convincing the bulb it has lived through a winter – before it will send up a flower.'
For regular bulbs, Tabar plans on around 12–14 weeks of cold treatment. 'A refrigerator crisper drawer works well,' she says. 'But keep the bulbs away from any ripening fruit.
'An unheated garage, cellar, or cold frame can work just as well if you have the space. You’ll know the chilling period is progressing when you see pale shoot growth and the pot is well filled with roots.
'Always check the supplier’s instructions, because chilling requirements can vary. It’s worth the wait, just know you’ll need to practice patience.'
This cold frame from Burpee measures W23" x H16", so it can fit comfortably in a shed or garage. Cover with a blanket for plants that require darkness.
6. When To Move Potted Bulbs Into The Light
Mark on your calendar when you expect your indoor bulbs to be ready to come out of the cool, dark storage and into the warmth and the light. However, check them first and do it gradually.
'Don’t move the bulbs from chilling into a warm room just because the calendar tells you to,' says Peggy Anne. 'Instead, check that the shoots are light green or yellow and measure about 1½ to 2” in length.'
When they're ready, bring them into a warmer room away from direct bright light.
'Once the leaves begin to turn darker green, gradually move them closer to a window and into warmer, brighter conditions,' says Peggy Anne. 'But keep them away from radiators, heating vents, and other sources of artificial heat.'
Hyacinths should bloom about three weeks after having undergone the correct cool period, but the timing will differ according to the variety and conditions.
'Follow the planting and forcing instructions that come with your specific bulbs,' adds Peggy Anne.
7. Festive Displays
The color and style of the containers you choose for your indoor bulbs will depend on the theme of your holiday decor. However, neutral tones offer a flexible option, and the size of the pot should not be much bigger than the bulb or bulbs you plan to plant.
'Shallow bulb pans or pots (4–8 inches wide) with drainage holes, filled with regular potting soil, are my go-to, and the most forgiving option,' says Tabar.
'Decorative bowls with no drainage, filled with bulb fiber (a lightweight, moisture-retentive mix made for exactly this purpose) are lovely for gifting since there’s no soil to spill.'
Once the shoots have emerged, a light layer of sphagnum moss tucked around the base can hide the soil or bulb fiber and gives the container a finished look.
This sphagnum moss from Lowe's would add a decorative touch to hyacinth displays.
'I’m careful to keep the moss loose rather than packed down, and I always leave the bulb’s nose and any emerging bud completely uncovered so it isn’t smothered,' says Tabar. 'For the water-glass method, small decorative pebbles or glass marbles around the base do the same job and help hold the bulb steady.
'For a truly festive look, I’ll often set a few forcing glasses together in a low tray or basket, or group several small pots of the same variety in a single decorative container; it reads as one lush arrangement rather than a single lonely bulb.'
Shop Beautiful Planters
Available in two sizes and five different colors, this Delano bowl planter would make a generous foundation for a festive display indoors.
This stylish bowl planter has drainage and provides an elegant base for your hyacinth bulbs to bloom in time for the festivities.
With three sizes available (small, medium and large) and two colors, this pot would suit individual plants or a cosy cluster.
Consider the hyacinth colors you would like for your festive display and start planting over the coming weeks for beautiful blooms in time for Christmas or the New Year.
'I love having a taste of spring in the winter months, and forcing bulbs is a really rewarding way to make that happen,' says Tabar
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