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The Flower Farm Blog
​by Rosie Gray

How To Grow Hyacinth Bulbs in Water

20/9/2022

2 Comments

 
What you'll need to grow Hyacinth bulbs in water, Hyacinth bulbs, Hyacinth vases, copyright www.GallowayFlowers.co.uk
  Growing Hyacinths in a vase of water is a traditional method, much loved by the Victorians.
Seeing the bulb roots through the glass looks beautiful & is intriguing, especially for children.
  You can enjoy the fabulous, heady fragrance of the flowers indoors.
And perhaps best of all, it’s easy to do!

What you’ll need;
  • 'Prepared' Hyacinth bulbs. ‘Prepared’ means the bulb has been exposed to cold in storage. These bulbs cost a little more but worth it as they’re ready to grow & flower early in the season, when you need it most.
  • A glass vase or jar. Garden Centres, Antique & Charity Shops are good sources for these.
  • Water
  • Gloves are recommended as Hyacinth bulbs can irritate skin & eyes

How to start your bulbs into growth;
Step 1
  • Fill your vase with water up to the neck of the vase. Then sit your Hyacinth bulb so it sits firmly in the bowl area at the top.
  • The water level needs to be about ¼”/0.5cm below the bulb base. If the bulb touches the water, it’ll rot, so avoid this.
  • If you have them handy, glass marbles or lozenges can be added (very gently) to the bottom of the vase. This helps keep the vase steady – the flowers & leaves can be heavy when fully grown.
  • If you don’t have a classic Hyacinth vase, improvise with jars like this – it works!
Growing Hyacinth bulbs in jars of water copyright www.GallowayFlowers.co.uk
Step 2
  • Place the bulb somewhere cool & in low light conditions for about 10 weeks. I put mine in a frost-free greenhouse under the shelving. The bulbs must be kept frost-free
  • Refresh the water weekly & keep topped up to level described in step 1

 Step 3
  • When a strong root & bud (approx. 2”/5cms) has formed, bring the vase into a lighter (not bright sunshine) & cool place indoors.
  • The leaves will ‘green up’ & after 3-4 days can be moved to a brighter place, for example a windowsill. If leaves begin growing too fast compared to the bud, return to a cooler position.
  • Keep away from temperature extremes – draughts & hot places (such as close to a radiator).

  Step 4
  •  As the flower opens, move to somewhere you’ll enjoy the intoxicating fragrance.
  • Turn the vase a little each day so they don’t lean towards the sun. A north facing windowsill is perfect.
  • Flowers will typically last up to 2 weeks.
  Different cultivars will grow at different speeds. If you want flowers for Christmas, aim to start your bulbs off by September 24th – but it isn’t an exact science.

  After flowering...
  The hyacinth bulbs are exhausted after the effort of producing a flower in water only. Transplant bulbs into the garden after flowering. They may not flower well next year but will recover to produce small blooms in future years.

Ready to try 'Something New'?
Many bulbs will grow in water, just like Hyacinths. You could try Snowdrops, Crocus, Narcissi (especially the Miniature ones), even Amaryllis. Just use a different size jar, & have fun!

To learn more about growing your own Cut Flowers at home, join me at the Flower Farm for 'Cut Flowers From Your Garden' workshop 
'Cut Flowers From Your Garden' Workshop
Blog post by Rosie Gray, Galloway Flowers. Updated from her post first published here on 22/11/2016
2 Comments
Margaret Moores
7/10/2024 13:41:26

Thank you for the hyacinths in water instructions.

I found 6 jars meant for the purpose in the shed and bought hyacinths that could be grown indoors. Two of these will be given to my 2 grandchildren (who come every Monday after school) along with your instructions* - so much clearer and reasoned than those I have in my head. Two will be grown for my friends for a Christmas present and the last two are for me. This time I will follow your instructions as mine, in my head, are made up. I'm expecting much better flowers.
*I've acknowledge the source of the instructions

You have created a lovely website; your courses look exciting but alas, I live too far away. I've no doubt I will return to you page.

Reply
Rosie Gray
8/10/2024 17:50:43

Delighted, you found it useful, Margaret. It's a fun thing to do with children. Key thing is to get the prepared bulbs - these have been pre-chilled so bloom more quickly indoors.
Best wishes,
Rosie

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    Rosie Gray of Galloway Flowers.  Cut Flower Grower & Florist near Castle Douglas, in South West Scotland. Using 100% Flowers & Foliage grown in British Isles, all year round.
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