Hyacinth: planting, dividing and storing the bulb

Store	Bulb. Cut it in half: you see layers like an onion.
Depth	10-15 cm to the base of the bulb
Spacing	8-10 cm apart
When	Plant in autumn. Plant: from your first autumn frost to 6 weeks after. Work out your dates.
Pets	Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses (ASPCA)

Store

Bulb. Cut it in half: you see layers like an onion.

Depth

10-15 cm to the base of the bulb

Spacing

8-10 cm apart

When

Plant in autumn. Plant: from your first autumn frost to 6 weeks after. Work out your dates.

Pets

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses (ASPCA)

About Hyacinth

Scented spikes from a large bulb. The bulb dust can irritate skin, so wear gloves when handling.

Depth and spacing

Typical range: 10-15 cm deep and 8-10 cm apart. A general rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the bulb; check the label for your variety. The drawing is to scale for 12.5 cm deep and 9 cm apart (the size of the organ is illustrative); try your own measurements.

When to plant

Plant in autumn. Plant: from your first autumn frost to 6 weeks after. These are rules of thumb for the northern hemisphere. Enter your frost dates for real dates.

Dividing and propagating

Offsets form slowly around the base; separate them in summer when the foliage has died back. Expect several years before they flower.

Lifting and storing

Lift when the foliage has died, dry and store cool. Forced bulbs can be planted out after flowering but often flower smaller for a few years.

Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses

The ASPCA lists Hyacinthus orientalis as: toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses. Toxic principle: Possibly narcissus-like alkaloids. Signs: Intense vomiting, diarrhea, occassionally with blood, depression and tremors. If your pet has chewed any part, call your vet or an animal poison helpline. ASPCA entry.

Hyacinth