Hyacinth Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock'

Water

Hyacinth bulbs require consistent moisture during the growing season, so water your Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock' when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which is roughly once a week. Increase watering frequency during blooming to support their heavy water needs. In general, applying about half a gallon of water for each plant should be sufficient to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. After blooming and when the leaves start yellowing, reduce watering to allow the bulb to go dormant, entering a dry period over the summer months.

Light

Hyacinths, including the 'Woodstock' variety, thrive in full sun to partial shade; however, they bloom best when provided with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours daily. The ideal spot for a Hyacinth 'Woodstock' would be where it can receive morning sunlight and some dappled shade in the afternoon to protect it from the intense midday heat, which can damage the blooms.

Temperature

The Hyacinth 'Woodstock' favors temperate climates and will grow well in an environment where the temperature ranges between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during its growth period. It can withstand winter temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which is essential for the vernalization process needed to trigger blooming. Ideal growing conditions are cool nights and warmer days during the spring blooming period.

Pruning

Pruning Hyacinths, like the 'Woodstock' variety, involves deadheading the spent flowers to prevent seed formation, which conserves energy for the bulb. Cut back the flower stalks once the blooms have faded but leave the foliage in place until it dies back naturally. Typically, this only needs to be done once per season, as Hyacinths only bloom once a year, with the best time for pruning being in late spring after flowering.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for growing the Woodstock Hyacinth is one that is well-draining but retains some moisture, such as a blend of loamy soil, peat, and sharp sand. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Woodstock Hyacinths, being perennial bulbs, do not require frequent repotting. It's sufficient to repot them every 2-3 years, or when the bulbs multiply and become crowded in their current pot or garden space.

Humidity & Misting

Woodstock Hyacinths prefer average to high humidity levels. A range of 40-70% is ideal for these plants, so they thrive in a typical indoor environment without the need for additional humidity control.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, bright location, 60-70°F, water when top soil is dry.

• Outdoor

  Plant bulbs in fall, full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Commonly known as the Hyacinth 'Woodstock', the life cycle of Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock' starts with a dormant bulb, which is typically planted in the fall. In early spring, the bulb breaks dormancy, sending up green shoots that develop into a sturdy stalk with a dense spike of fragrant, deep purple flowers. After blooming, which can last for a few weeks, the flower spike fades, and the plant enters a period of photosynthesis where the leaves continue to gather energy, which is stored in the bulb for the next growing season. Once the leaves yellow, the plant goes dormant again during the summer months. The bulb survives the heat and then, with the cooler temperatures of autumn, starts developing roots in preparation for the next cycle of growth. After several years, the bulbs can be lifted, divided, and replanted to propagate new plants and to keep the cycle going.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring

• The common Hyacinth, specifically the Hyacinthus orientalis 'Woodstock', is typically propagated through bulb division. The most popular method of propagating Hyacinths involves waiting until the foliage has died down after flowering in late spring or early summer. At this time, the bulbs can be gently dug up and any offsets, which are smaller bulbs developed from the base of the parent bulb, can be separated. The separated offsets can then be replanted immediately, with the pointed end upward, at a depth of approximately 6 inches (which is about 15 centimeters) and spaced about 4 inches (10 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Over the next growing season, these offsets will develop into mature bulbs capable of producing their own flowers. It is important to handle the bulbs carefully to avoid damage and to plant them in well-drained soil with sufficient sunlight to encourage growth.