HYACINTHS FOR CHRISTMAS

August and September is the best time to plant hyacinth bulbs to flower for Christmas. Simply purchase prepared hyacinths (bulbs that are specially heat treated) and plant in bulb fibre compost in a suitable pot. The neck of the bulb should just show above the compost. Place the pot somewhere cold and dark for roots to develop before the leaves and flowers, this takes between 8-12 weeks. A shed or an outhouse is ideal to start them off.

In December, move pots to a slightly warmer and lighter place like a porch or spare room until the flower buds are showing. At this time, they can be moved to a full light position like a windowsill. careful not to put pots in a place too warm as the flower stems will grow too fast and flop over, you can always stake the flowers with small split canes though.