Planting prepared hyacinth bulbs is a simple, rewarding process. It brings the promise of beautiful, fragrant blooms to your home, often in time for Christmas or late winter. Prepared bulbs have been pre-chilled, which mimics the natural cold period they need to produce flowers. This conditioning means you can enjoy their display indoors without waiting for them to experience a full winter season outside.

To begin, choose a pot with good drainage. Terracotta pots are classic and allow the soil to breathe. Any decorative pot will work as long as it has drainage holes. Fill the pot about halfway with a free-draining potting mix. A standard peat-free multipurpose compost is usually sufficient.

Next, it’s time to place the bulbs. Hyacinths look best when planted in groups, so aim to position the bulbs close but not touching. Make sure the pointed end faces upwards. You can plant as many as will comfortably fit in your pot. Gently firm the bulbs into the soil. Then, cover them with more potting mix, leaving the top of the bulbs exposed or just barely covered.

After planting, water the pot well so the soil settles. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, since too much water can make the bulbs rot.

Put your pot in a cool, dark spot for a few weeks. A garage, shed, or cupboard would be ideal. When the shoots reach about two inches and look pale, move the pot to a bright, cool room. The leaves will turn green and the flowers will start to form. Soon, you’ll enjoy the beautiful blooms and sweet scent of your hyacinths.