Variety Characteristics of Hyacinths and How to Grow Them in Water

The hyacinth is a perennial herbaceous bulbous flower native to the Mediterranean coast and parts of West Asia, and it is now widely cultivated around the world. It is known for its dense flower spikes and strong fragrance, and it usually blooms in early spring. It is suitable both for growing in soil in pots and for water culture, making it one of the most popular bulb plants in home gardening.

The underground bulb of the hyacinth is spherical or flattened-spherical, and the color of its outer skin is often related to the flower color, while the leaves are thick and strap-shaped. When it blooms, the flower stem is upright, with clusters of small flowers at the top arranged tightly in a spike. Common flower colors include blue-purple, pink, white, red and yellow. There are many horticultural varieties, generally divided by flower color, and different varieties differ in the depth of flower color, the strength of fragrance and plant height.

In terms of care, hyacinths prefer a cool climate and plenty of light, and they are afraid of high temperatures and waterlogging. When growing in soil, choose a loose, well-drained sandy soil, and keep the soil slightly moist during the growing period; when growing in water, the water level should just touch the base plate of the bulb, and be sure to change the water regularly to keep it clean. After flowering, cut off the faded flowers, and after the leaves naturally turn yellow, dig up the bulbs, dry them and store them in a cool, ventilated place, then replant them in autumn.

It should be noted that hyacinth bulbs contain components such as calcium oxalate, and the sap may cause itching when it touches the skin. It is best to wear gloves when cutting or handling the bulbs, and avoid accidental ingestion by children and pets. In addition, when growing in water, a water level that is too high, unclean water or a relatively high ambient temperature can easily cause root and bulb rot. Once the bulbs are found to be soft or moldy, they should be cleaned up and dealt with promptly.