Quick read / the essentials about our Hyacinth Bulbs
Hyacinth (*Hyacinthus orientalis*) is a springtime star for professional florists. With its compact shape, intense fragrance, and generous flowering, it embodies horticultural excellence in French flower growing. Suitable for growing in open ground, in pots, or in greenhouses, it offers numerous production planning possibilities. At Floriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Flower Bulbs , we offer professional-grade hyacinth bulbs (16/17+), guaranteeing uniform growth and dense flowering. For successful cultivation, it is essential to purchase Hyacinth Bulbs from reliable technical partners.
The hyacinth bulb is a tunicate type, very energetic, producing a single robust flower stalk that can bear between 30 and 50 flowers. The available color palette is extremely varied, ranging from deep blue to pale yellow, including pink, purple, and white. These characteristics make it an essential plant for cut flowers as well as for spring beds. To buy Hyacinth Bulbs with a view to performance, Floriverse rigorously selects varieties adapted to natural or forced flowering schedules.
Our planting advice—between late September and October, at a depth of 10 to 15 cm, in well-drained soil—ensures perfect recovery. Thanks to our experience, efficient logistics, and volumes reserved for professionals, we support you in all your projects. Choose Floriverse, your specialist wholesale supplier of Flower Bulbs , to buy Hyacinth Bulbs with complete peace of mind, with consistent quality and expert advice tailored to your needs.
Botanical characteristics and morphology of Hyacinthus orientalis
The commonly cultivated hyacinth is known by the full scientific name Hyacinthus orientalis . It belongs to the Asparagaceae family, and more specifically to the Scilloideae subfamily. Historically, it was previously classified in the Hyacinthaceae family (now part of the Asparagaceae) and even before that, in the Liliaceae family.
Bulb structure and root development
It is a perennial herbaceous bulbous plant, known for its spectacular flowering in spring. The bulb is tunicate , rounded with scales, oval in shape and relatively large in size. Its average diameter can vary from 10 to 20 cm for common species. It is this bulb that stores the reserves necessary for the development of the plant and its characteristic fragrant inflorescences.
Leaf development and vegetative architecture
In spring, the plant typically develops 4 to 6 narrow, linear-obtuse, canaliculate (gutter-shaped) leaves , emerging directly from the underground bulb. These leaves, uniformly dark green in color and glabrescent (almost hairless) in texture, are typically 5 to 15 cm long and occur in a rosette at the base of the plant, spreading or almost erect. They reach a height of about 30 centimeters . The foliage appears before flowering and remains present during and after flowering, until it fades completely, playing an essential role in photosynthesis and the accumulation of reserves for the following year.
Inflorescence and floral characteristics
The major visual appeal lies in its inflorescence. The hyacinth produces a single flower stalk (called a flower spike) at the top of which develops a dense, indefinite raceme (a raceme) composed of many small flowers. Each flower, actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), has six tepals (fused petals and sepals) that open in a star-shaped shape with a waxy appearance. The flower stalk reaches an average height of 20 to 30 cm , up to 50 cm in certain varieties or optimal conditions, and bears a very dense raceme, often composed of several dozen florets (potentially between 30 and 50 flowers per stem depending on the variety and growing conditions), so tightly packed that they can obscure the stem itself. The general habit of the plant at maturity is erect and upright, giving a compact, upright structure of about 25 to 30 cm in height for horticultural varieties intended for flower production. This dense, upright silhouette is particularly sought after for its presentation quality, whether in a pot, in a clump or as a cut flower.
A major asset of Hyacinthus orientalis is its intense and intoxicating fragrance . This characteristic odor is highly prized for floral and horticultural uses, contributing significantly to the sensory experience and commercial appeal of the plant.
Varietal range and commercial horticultural selections
The majority of hybrid hyacinths commonly grown in France come from Hyacinthus orientalis and are distinguished mainly by the color of their flowers. Professional varieties offer a wide color palette , making it possible to meet a diverse market demand.
Color palette and reference cultivars
The most common colors include blue and purple , with popular cultivars such as 'Delft Blue' (light blue) and 'Blue Jacket' (deep blue). Shades of pink are also found, for example 'Pink Pearl' (bright pink), 'Fondant' (soft pink) and 'Spring Beauty' . White is represented by varieties such as 'Carnegie' (pure white). Less common colors are also available, such as the carmine red of 'Jan Bos' , the pale yellow of 'City of Haarlem' or peachy shades such as 'Gypsy Queen' . These colors are described as rich and saturated.
Technical classifications and floral types
Besides color, cultivars are also distinguished by their height and flowering time . Most commercially grown hyacinths reach a height of about 20 to 30 cm , with 'Spring Beauty', for example, being quoted at about 25 cm. Some varieties can grow up to 30 cm or slightly taller. Flowering time can vary by one to two weeks between cultivars.
There are also classifications by flower type, such as "Dutch Hyacinth" (often white, yellow, pink, or red), "Oriental Hyacinth" (which has blue flowers), or "multiflora," "Parisian," or "Roman" types. The "multiflora" type might suggest a higher flower yield per bulb, although sources do not provide specific figures for this.
Calibration and quality of commercial bulbs
For professionals, commercial bulbs are generally sized (e.g. 16/17+) to ensure optimal flowering, indicating that bulb size is a key factor in floral quality.
Planting parameters and cultivation calendar
The timing of hyacinth bulb planting is an important technical element to ensure successful and abundant spring flowering. The optimal time for planting in the ground is in autumn.
Optimal planting schedule
Specifically, it is recommended to plant bulbs between late September and October . This period allows the bulbs to develop a robust root system before the arrival of winter cold, which is essential for a good recovery in spring. Planting is also possible in November and early December, but this can potentially result in less abundant flowering. A minimum delay of 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost is recommended to allow for rooting.
Technical depth and spacing
Planting depth is a crucial technical factor to ensure proper bulb development and protection. In open ground, the recommended depth varies slightly depending on the source, ranging from 8 to 10 cm to 10-15 cm . A general rule often applied for bulbs is to bury them at a depth equivalent to about twice their height, or about 15 cm for a hyacinth bulb, or 3 times their diameter. It is essential to position the bulb with the point upwards when planting.
In pots or planters, the depth can be less, around 5 cm , or the bulbs can even be left to protrude halfway above the surface of the soil in non-windy areas.
Planting density and spatial yield
Spacing between bulbs in open ground is also important to allow for optimal development and a dense visual effect in beds. A recommended spacing of 10 to 15 cm is generally advised. For planting in pots of 25 to 30 cm in diameter, 5 to 6 bulbs are generally planned. For planting in beds aiming for a mass effect, a density of 40 to 60 bulbs per square meter is recommended.
Cultural requirements and maintenance protocols
Hyacinth cultivation, although considered easy, requires compliance with precise growing conditions and appropriate maintenance to guarantee professional, quality production and the longevity of the bulbs.
Optimal light exposure
The optimal exposure for hyacinths is full sun . This is when they develop the strongest flower stems and optimal flowering. The plant also tolerates partial shade, particularly under deciduous trees where light is present in spring before the foliage is fully opened. However, dense, constant shade should be avoided, as it reduces flowering and weakens the plant. Ideally, hyacinths benefit from 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day during their growing and flowering periods.
Soil and drainage requirements
Soil is a determining factor. Hyacinths adapt to almost any soil type, but prefer light to medium soil (sandy, sandy loam, or loamy) . The most crucial criterion is perfect drainage . Waterlogging is the main enemy of hyacinths and the major cause of bulb rot, especially in winter. The soil must be well-drained to avoid this risk. If the soil is heavy or clayey, it is essential to improve drainage by incorporating coarse sand into the planting layer (15 cm deep). The optimal pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 , i.e., neutral to slightly acidic soil.
Irrigation management
Hyacinths are not very demanding in terms of water and do not tolerate excessive moisture. After planting in autumn, moderate watering is sufficient if the soil is dry on the surface. During active growth in spring, the substrate should remain slightly moist but never soggy. A watering of about 20 to 30 mm per week may be appropriate, divided into several light waterings. In pots, it is essential to monitor humidity, especially during flowering when needs may increase, but always avoid excess. After flowering, watering should be gradually reduced and stopped when the foliage turns yellow.
Fertilization program
Hyacinth does not require intensive fertilization if planted in fertile, well-prepared soil. It is recommended to amend the soil with 30 to 40 g/m² of organic manure or well-rotted compost before planting. In rich, balanced soils, no further fertilizer application is necessary during cultivation. For intensive cultivation or in poor substrates, an application at the time of soil preparation (approximately 50-60 kg/ha of Nitrogen, 60-80 kg/ha of Phosphorus, 80-100 kg/ha of Potash ) can be considered. Avoid excess nitrogen, especially in forced cultivation, as it makes the tissues soft and increases susceptibility to disease.
Cultural maintenance and technical operations
Regular weeding is important, especially before emergence and during growth, to avoid competition with weeds. Planting bulbs at a spacing of 15 cm makes these manual or mechanical operations easier.
To preserve the bulb's energy and encourage flowering the following year, it is advisable to remove faded flowers as soon as they begin to droop. This should be done without cutting off the green foliage.
Lifting and storing bulbs
For intensive cultivation, lifting the bulbs is recommended every 1 to 3 years , once the foliage has completely dried out (end of May to end of June). The foliage should never be cut while it is green. After delicate removal, the bulbs must be cleaned, dried in the shade for 1 to 2 weeks, then stored in a cool ( 15-20°C ), dry ( 60-70% relative humidity ), ventilated and dark place until replanting in autumn.
Flowering cycles and production programming
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) is a typical spring-flowering plant.
Natural flowering calendar
In open ground, natural flowering extends mainly from March to April . The exact period can vary depending on the growing region in France, the climate and the exposure.
For greenhouse crops, using forcing techniques, flowering can be achieved much earlier, lasting from December to February .
Duration and spread of flowering
The flowering time of an individual bulb is approximately 2 to 3 weeks . However, when planting a group of bulbs in a bed, the overall flowering period can stretch to 2 to 3 months outdoors (March to May), as not all bulbs flower at exactly the same time.
Technical synthesis of cycles
- Open ground: March to April (individual: 2 to 3 weeks; clump: 2 to 3 months).
- Forced culture: December to February (individual: 2 to 3 weeks).
Hyacinth is therefore mainly associated with the spring season, although forcing allows it to be offered at the end of winter as well.
Commercial applications and plant associations
Hyacinthus orientalis is very versatile and fits perfectly into various landscaping and professional crops in France.
Main ornamental uses
It is very popular for creating spring flower beds with a strong visual and olfactory impact. Its average height of 20 to 30 cm allows for harmonious associations with other spring bulbs, creating layers. The recommended planting density for a mass effect is 40 to 60 bulbs per square meter .
Thanks to its compact shape and dense flowering, hyacinth is ideal for marking paths and structuring flowerbed edges . Its intense fragrance is an added bonus near paths.
Although less common than in flowerbeds, some small botanical species of hyacinths can be adapted to rockeries , provided they have well-drained soil.
Technical plant associations
Hyacinths combine particularly well with other spring bulbous plants and early perennials for complementary aesthetic and cultural effects.
Bulbs: Tulips (taller, 30-60 cm) offer a contrast in size and color. Daffodils , often yellow or white, bring lightness and a more natural look. Crocuses (lower, 8-12 cm) bloom earlier and ensure floral continuity. Grape hyacinths (10-15 cm), with their blue clusters, create a dense carpet at the base of the hyacinths. Imperial fritillaries can also form beautiful associations.
Perennials: Pansies (Viola) and primroses (Primula) bloom at the same time and can be used in borders. Lungwort (Pulmonaria) , with its mottled foliage, provides elegant ground cover. These combinations work because they share similar soil (well-drained, humus-rich) and exposure (sun to partial shade) requirements. Planting bulbs 10-15 cm apart is important to avoid competition.
Naturalization potential
Hyacinthus orientalis has some naturalizing ability, but it is less strong than that of other bulbs. For good naturalization, a well-drained, lightly shaded location (such as under deciduous trees) with little disturbance after flowering (avoid early mowing) is required. Well-established bulbs can rebloom for several years and multiply slowly ( 10 to 20% annual increase in the number of clumps under good conditions). Forced bulbs generally do not naturalize.
Geographical origin and cultural history
The origin of Hyacinthus orientalis is mainly in the eastern Mediterranean region , especially in Western Asia and the Middle East, covering areas such as southern Turkey, Syria, Iraq (Baghdad region), Lebanon and northern Israel. It is found naturally from sea level up to about 2000 meters above sea level .
The hyacinth was introduced to Europe in the 16th century . Its appeal for its bright, charming flowers, larger than other spring flowers, led to a notable craze. During the 1760s, this passion was such that it was called 'hyacinthomania' , recalling the famous episode of tulip mania.
The etymology of the name Hyacinthus is linked to Greek mythology . Hyacinthus was a young man of great beauty, beloved by Apollo. During a discus throwing competition, Apollo accidentally injured Hyacinthus to death. A flower is said to have sprung from the spilled blood, which the god named "hyacinth" in memory of his lost friend.
As for symbolism, although the sources provided do not detail this aspect, the hyacinth is often associated with spring, joy, and renewal due to its early flowering. In some cultures, different colors can have distinct meanings.
Additional technical data for production
Ecological interest and pollinators
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) has ecological benefits, including its role as an early resource for pollinators .
Thanks to its bright colors and strong fragrance, hyacinth attracts several types of pollinators. The main visitors are hymenoptera , such as bees (domestic and solitary) and bumblebees . These insects, very sensitive to scent and colors, contribute to the transfer of pollen during their floral visit.
The period of maximum attractiveness of the hyacinth in France corresponds to its flowering, generally from March to April . This is a crucial moment in early spring when early floral resources are still limited. Thus, in gardens or crops, hyacinths provide nectar and pollen to populations of pollinating insects that are emerging from hibernation or becoming active again.
Hardiness and climate adaptation
Hyacinth is a bulbous plant known for its good hardiness in temperate climates . It is generally hardy from USDA zones 3 to 9 , covering the majority of French regions. In the ground, the bulbs tolerate temperatures down to about -18°C to -20°C without protection. With good protection, they can even survive down to about -35°C in very cold areas. The bulbs are not affected by frost in the ground if the soil is well-drained.
Toxicological precautions
It is important to note that hyacinths, especially the bulbs, are toxic if ingested . They contain alkaloids such as lycorine . This toxicity affects humans, pets, and livestock, causing digestive problems. Contact with the bulbs or sap can also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Professionals are advised to wear gloves during prolonged handling and to inform customers of this risk. Hyacinth is neither protected in France nor considered invasive.
Post-flowering evolution
After flowering, the ornamental interest of the hyacinth is limited and temporary . The basal foliage (4 to 6 leaves, 5 to 15 mm wide and 20 to 30 cm long) is not particularly decorative and turns yellow and then dries out quickly once its physiological function of replenishing reserves is fulfilled. The fruiting, in the form of a capsule, is modest and of no notable aesthetic interest. To maintain the aesthetics of the beds, it is often recommended to mask the declining foliage with other plants.
Multiplication techniques
Hyacinths propagate primarily by the production of lateral bulbils (cloves) from the mature bulb, usually 3 to 5 per year . These bulbils take 2 to 3 years to reach flowering size. Professional techniques such as chipping (production of 10 to 25 bulbs per parent bulb in 3 to 4 years) or scarification (up to 30-40 bulbils per bulb in 2 to 3 years) are used for faster propagation. Sowing is very slow (4 to 6 years before flowering) and is used more for hybridization.
Performance data
Sources do not provide precise figures on the average yield (number of stems/flowering per m² or per bulb) in professional cultivation. It is known that a bulb generally produces one flower stem . Planting density can reach 40 to 60 bulbs/m² . Some vigorous varieties can produce a very dense flower stem with up to a hundred flowers per stem .
Forcing techniques
Hyacinth is very well suited to forcing in greenhouses or indoors to achieve off-season flowering, especially in winter. This involves a cold period (vernalization) of about 10 to 14 weeks at 5-9°C , followed by a forcing phase at 18-20°C for 2 to 3 weeks , leading to flowering in 3 to 4 weeks. This technique allows flowering to be scheduled and meets seasonal demand.
Specialized cultural adaptations
In case of drought, light localized watering and mulching to conserve moisture are recommended. Improving drainage and incorporating organic matter into the soil are also essential. In harsh winters, planting deeper (up to 20 cm ), applying a thick organic mulch ( 8-10 cm ) and using a winter fleece are effective protections.
A cold period (vernalization) is essential to induce flowering. At least 3 weeks of cold are necessary, ideally between 2°C and 7°C . Natural winter provides this period in most areas of France. In warm climates, pre-cooling is mandatory.
Container growing
Hyacinths grow well in pots or under cover, especially for forcing. A light, well-draining substrate (potting soil with sand or perlite) is crucial. Pots must have drainage holes. Watering should be moderate, avoiding excess. Temperature control is key for rooting ( 9-13°C ) and then flowering ( 16-18°C ).
Health assessment
Health assessment is based on visual observation . Dark green, straight, firm foliage, a robust flower stalk, and dense, colorful blooms are signs of good health. Yellowing, wilting, or brown edges on the leaves may indicate water stress, nutrient deficiencies (nitrogen, potassium), or overwatering. The bulb should be firm, large, and free of spots or rot. A soft bulb with a rotten odor is a sign of overwatering or disease.
Crop rotation
A long crop rotation is strongly recommended to avoid soil-borne diseases. Avoid replanting hyacinths or other flower bulbs (tulips, daffodils, irises) or root vegetables (garlic, onion) on the same plot for 4 to 5 years . Crops such as cereals or corn are good alternatives in the rotation.
To summarize: Our Hyacinth Bulbs
Hyacinth is an exceptional bulbous plant, ideal for professionals looking for spring flowering with a strong visual and olfactory impact. Its tunicate bulb, rich in reserves, produces a robust flower stem that can bear up to 50 flowers with intense colors. Easy to grow, it adapts equally well to the open ground as to forcing in pots, with reliable results and very good resistance as a cut flower. At Floriverse , a specialist wholesale supplier of Flower Bulbs , we help you buy Hyacinth Bulbs in homogeneous and calibrated batches for controlled floral production.
Our offering is tailored to the requirements of French florists: size 16/17+, rigorous technical selection, and integrated growing advice. Whether you want to spread your blooms from December to May or structure your spring flowerbeds, we offer bulbs selected for their vigor, floral density, and inimitable fragrance. To buy Hyacinth Bulbs with the guarantee of optimal yield, trust our experience and personalized support. Soil, exposure, depth, and planting schedule are levers we master to optimize your crop.
Working with Floriverse means choosing a specialist wholesale supplier of flower bulbs who understands the challenges of your business. Our range meets the expectations of the cut flower, garden center, and landscaping markets. By working with us, you benefit from a reliable, professional selection, delivered at the right time, with targeted agronomic advice. For all your spring growing projects, buying hyacinth bulbs from Floriverse means choosing quality, safety, and logistical efficiency, all to boost your performance.
