Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Jacket'

Water

The Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' should be watered moderately, ensuring that the soil is kept moist but not soggy. During active growth periods, typically in the spring, the plant might need to be watered approximately once a week. Generally, providing about one inch of water per week should suffice, depending on the climate and soil drainage. When the weather is cooler or the plant is not actively growing, reduce watering frequency. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to bulb rot.

Light

Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Planting them in a spot that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours a day is ideal. However, in regions with very hot climates, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the flowers from intense heat. Avoid placing them in deep shade as this can result in poor flowering.

Temperature

Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' prefers a temperate climate and performs well in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. However, for successful blooming, they require a chilling period at 35°F to 45°F for at least 12-14 weeks. They can survive winter temperatures as low as 20°F, but should be protected from severe frosts. Ideally, the bulbs should be planted in the fall to experience the natural cooling period before flowering in the spring.

Pruning

Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' requires minimal pruning, primarily to remove spent flower stalks after blooming, which encourages the plant to direct energy back into the bulb for next year's growth. Trimming should be done as soon as the flowers fade. Do not cut the foliage until it has fully yellowed and died back, as this period is essential for the bulb to store energy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. To create an ideal mix, combine two parts loam, one part river sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure. This will ensure the hyacinths have the necessary nutrients and drainage for healthy growth.

Repotting

Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. These bulbs should be repotted or divided every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain vigor. Repotting is best done after the foliage has died back following the spring bloom.

Humidity & Misting

Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' prefers average home humidity levels, making them suitable for indoor conditions without the need for special humidity adjustments. They thrive in the 40-60% humidity range, which is common in most living spaces. During their active growth, they can tolerate higher humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant bulbs in fall, in well-drained soil and sun.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Hyacinth 'Blue Jacket' begins as a bulb, which, once planted in fall before the frost, stays dormant until the warmer temperatures of spring trigger its growth. As spring approaches, roots start to grow from the basal plate of the bulb, which absorbs nutrients and moisture from the soil. Subsequently, shoots emerge from the soil, developing into lush green foliage and erect flower stalks crowned with fragrant, deep blue-purple flowers. After blooming, the flowers eventually wither, and the plant enters a period of photosynthesis where the foliage stores energy back into the bulb for the next growing season. Once the leaves yellow and die back, the plant goes into dormancy over the summer, conserving energy within the bulb. The plant remains dormant throughout late summer and fall until the cycle restarts with the next spring's growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The most popular method of propagating Hyacinthus orientalis 'Blue Jacket', commonly known as Hyacinth, is through division of the bulbs. This is ideally done in late summer or early fall, after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have gone dormant. The mature bulbs can be carefully lifted from the ground and the offsets, which are smaller bulbs or bulblets that are attached to the main bulb, can be gently separated. Each offset should have some roots attached. Plant the offsets immediately at a depth of about 6 inches (15 centimeters) with the pointed end up, spaced approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) apart in well-drained soil with good sunlight. Water the newly planted offsets well to establish them. With proper care, these will grow into flowering-sized bulbs within a few seasons.