In a Glass, in the Garden, Meaning & Fragrance
No spring without hyacinths. Their fragrance is so intense that a single bulb can perfume an entire room.
The hyacinth is one of the first flowers to announce spring. As early as January, pre-forced bulbs start appearing in shops — in blue, pink, white, and violet. Their fragrance is legendary: sweet, intense, almost intoxicating. Some people love it, others find it too much. No one feels indifferent to it. A fitting flower bouquet to go with it is Mother’s Day Bouquet Floral Splendor. Also recommended in this context: Romantic Garden. Also recommended in this context: Phalaenopsis Dyed Blue.
The hyacinth originally comes from the eastern Mediterranean and arrived in the Netherlands in the 16th century, where — like the tulip — it became an object of desire. Today, most hyacinth bulbs are produced in the Haarlem region of North Holland. And here comes the practical part: how to force hyacinths in a glass, plant them in the garden, and what you should know about their fragrance.
Quick Profile: Hyacinth
Botanical name: Hyacinthus orientalis
Origin: Turkey, Syria, Lebanon
Cultivation: Netherlands (Haarlem region)
Hardy: Yes, down to –15°C
Blooming time in the garden: March – April
Pre-forced: January – March
Colors: Blue, Pink, White, Violet, Yellow
Difficulty: easy
Hyacinths in a Glass
Forcing hyacinths in a glass is a wonderful winter project — and you can watch the roots grow. All you need is a hyacinth glass (a special vase with a narrow top where the bulb rests) and a pre-chilled bulb.
The bulb sits on top of the glass, with the water below just barely touching the base of the bulb. Then place the glass in a dark, cool spot for six to eight weeks (5–10°C — cellar, garage, refrigerator). During this time, the roots will develop.
As soon as the green shoot is about 5 cm long, move the glass into the light — but not straight into full sun. Give it a few days in a partially shaded spot first, then place it by the window. The hyacinth will bloom within two to three weeks.
Tip: If you do not have a hyacinth glass, you can also use a regular glass or a narrow vase. The important thing is that the bulb should not sit in the water — only the base should touch the water, otherwise it will rot.
Planting hyacinths in the garden
Planting hyacinths in the garden is easy. The bulbs go into the ground in autumn (October/November), about 10–15 cm deep, with the tip facing upward. Spacing: 10–15 cm. Choose a sunny to partially shaded spot with well-drained soil.
In Austria, hyacinths are hardy and return every year. However, the blooms often become smaller and looser in the second and third year than in the first. That is perfectly normal — the bulb divides and uses up energy. If you want full, lush blooms every year, plant fresh bulbs each year.
In the Netherlands, the bulbs are dug up after flowering, dried, and replanted in autumn — this keeps the blooms large. In Austrian gardens, however, you can simply leave them in the ground and enjoy their slightly wilder flowers.
The fragrance of hyacinths
The fragrance of hyacinths is unique — sweet, floral, with a lightly green note. It is so intense that a single blooming hyacinth can perfume an entire room. For some, that is wonderful; for others, it is too much.
Blue and violet varieties usually have the strongest fragrance. White and yellow varieties are a little more delicate. If you love the scent but do not want it to be overwhelming, place the hyacinth in the living room rather than the bedroom — at night, the fragrance can disturb sleep.
Interesting: In perfumery, the scent of hyacinth is one of the hardest fragrances to recreate. Most “hyacinth” perfumes use synthetic molecules that only come close to the original.
The meaning of hyacinths
The meaning of hyacinths goes back to Greek mythology. Hyacinthus was a beautiful youth loved by Apollo. When he was fatally struck during a discus throw, Apollo caused a flower to grow from his blood — the hyacinth.
In the language of flowers, the hyacinth stands for playfulness, sport, and beauty. Blue hyacinths symbolize sincerity, pink ones playfulness, white ones “I pray for you,” and purple ones “Please forgive me.”
Note: Hyacinth bulbs can cause skin irritation in sensitive people (sometimes called “hyacinth itch”). Wear gloves when planting. The plant itself is slightly toxic — keep out of reach of children and pets.
What to do after flowering?
Forced hyacinths from a glass vase or pot can be planted in the garden after flowering. Cut off the faded bloom, but leave the leaves in place until they turn yellow (the bulb draws the nutrients back in). Then plant the bulb in the garden in autumn. It will flower again next spring — though usually a little less abundantly.
Spring flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Hyacinths, tulips, daffodils, and seasonal bouquets — delivery in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions about hyacinths
Yes, forced hyacinths in pots are widely available in winter. They flower for two to three weeks. After that, plant the bulb in the garden — it will come back next spring.
The heavy flower cluster can pull the stem downward, especially in forced plants that have been kept too warm and too dark. Placing them somewhere cool and bright helps prevent this. If needed, use a small support stake.
Slightly toxic, especially the bulbs. They contain oxalic acid, which can cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when planting. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Fresh flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Hand-tied bouquets and houseplants — delivery in Vienna.
