One of the maximum effective lawn scents of spring comes from hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) in bloom. Although it’s far adorable to maximum people, the aroma may be overpowering to others. Even at a distance, you will observe those flora’s excessive perfume and the spikes of intensely brilliant tubular flora rising from strap-formed leaves. Introduced to Europe for the duration of the sixteenth century, hyacinth’s reputation sparked Dutch bulb growers to reproduce extra than 2,000 cultivars via way of means in the 18th century, and nowadays there are approximately 60 to pick from in industrial cultivation.

Modern hyacinths are some of the easiest-to-grow perennial spring bulbs—they can be planted in the ground or pots, or grown in water in a bulb vase, no soil required. Hyacinths are best planted in the fall. Please be careful: The bulbs are toxic to humans and pets.

Hyacinth Care

For the strongest and farthest-reaching scent, grow hyacinth in large groups. Hyacinths also mix well with other spring-blooming bulbs, since they come in so many colors and sizes—their spiky flower stalks make a nice counterpoint to cup-shaped tulips and ruffled daffodils.

Most varieties of hyacinth bulbs are fairly large. For spring garden blooms, plant hyacinth bulbs in the fall six to eight weeks before the first frost. They should be placed root-end-down (widest side down), about 4 to 6 inches deep. Give them some room to spread out by spacing them about 3 to 6 inches apart. Cover with soil, and water well.

Taller varieties can tend to flop—you can stake them if you only have a few, or plant them closer together so that they support one another.

Light

Plant your hyacinth bulbs in a spot that boasts full sun or partial shade. As with all spring bulbs, hyacinths sprout, bloom, and start to fade before deciduous trees fully leaf out, so you don’t have to worry about too much shade from nearby trees. Aim to give the plants at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day.