When Do Hyacinths Bloom? Are They Toxic? How to Grow Them in Water?

Hyacinths originate from the Mediterranean coast, Asia Minor and the Netherlands, and are now widely cultivated around the world. There are very many hyacinth varieties, with more than two thousand recorded, and the two main true varieties are the “Dutch type” and the “Roman type”. So when do hyacinths bloom? Are they toxic? How do you grow them in water?

1. When Do Hyacinths Bloom

1. Blooming period

Because hyacinth varieties and places of origin differ, their blooming times also vary. In the north it is generally January to February, while in the south they bloom in February to March; they usually bloom around March, and the blooming period gradually ends in April to May. The blooming period can last about half a month.

2. Ways to extend the blooming period

Hyacinth blooms are gorgeous and varied and very spectacular, but the blooming period seems rather short and the viewing time is not quite satisfactory. However, we can use some methods to extend the blooming period and increase its ornamental value.

(1) When it is about to bloom, crush some mixed vitamin tablets into powder and bury them at the edge of the pot.

(2) Place the plant in a spot with diffused light that is fairly cool and suitable.

(3) Make sure water and nutrients are sufficient, and apply fertilizer once before and after blooming.

2. Are Hyacinths Toxic

The bulbs of hyacinths are somewhat toxic (alkaloids). If eaten in large quantities they can cause poisoning, producing symptoms such as dizziness and diarrhea. In home cultivation they should be placed where children cannot touch them directly, and should not be placed in the bedroom. Their fragrance is not toxic, but people with an allergic constitution should not come into close contact with them, to avoid pollen allergies.

The toxicity of hyacinths comes from the bulbs. Touching the bulbs will not cause poisoning, but if eaten by mistake it can cause symptoms such as dizziness and diarrhea, so hyacinths are best placed where children cannot touch them directly.

It is recommended not to put hyacinths in the bedroom. The fragrance of hyacinths can refresh the mind, and placing them in the bedroom may cause insomnia. Although the scent of hyacinths is not toxic, after all, the fragrances of plants all contain aromatic chemical substances such as ketones. In small amounts inhaled, the human body can excrete them through metabolism, but long-term intake will increase the burden on the internal organs and affect human health. Just place hyacinths in a place with good air circulation, such as the living room.

3. How to Grow Hyacinths in Water

1. Growing environment

Water: the water quality should be clean. Fill the glass bottle used for growing with water, change the water once every 3-4 days, and you can put a small piece of charcoal in the water to prevent the water from turning foul.

Temperature: it likes cool conditions and dislikes high temperatures, so it can bloom normally at around 17°C. Note that during growth the temperature must not be lower than 0°C; keeping it at 10-17°C is more suitable.

Light: its growth needs sufficient light. It should receive no less than 4 hours of light each day, and the direction should be changed daily to prevent one-sided growth. Be careful not to expose it to strong light.

2. Planting method

Bulb treatment: before planting, first choose a disinfectant such as Bordeaux mixture and dilute it into a 1:1000 solution. Peel off the outer skin of the bulbs after division, clean off the mold spots inside, then soak the bulbs in the disinfectant solution for half an hour, take them out and dry them in the sun before use.

Planting process: choose a suitable glass bottle and fill it with water so that the water surface is 2-5mm from the base of the bulb. As the root system keeps growing, gradually lower the water level.

Rooting and sprouting: the most suitable rooting temperature is around 9°C. Place it in a cool, ventilated spot for about 8-12 weeks, then place it in a warm environment. During the rooting period you can cover it with paper or similar to shade it from light; once rooted, remove the cover and place it in the light to grow.