Wedgwood Hedgehog Nov 2021

Forcing bulbs can be challenging. This year I was delayed suffering from Covid (despite having both vaccinations) so finally planting up the hedgehog mid-November, later than I would have liked.

wedgwood hedgehog

I broke off the shoots coming out of the sides and bottom of the bulbs. They won't be able to grow in the hedgehog and they will take energy away from the main shoots.

crocus bulbs

Somehow I've managed to make two errors. A couple of the holes do not have bulbs in them - it was very difficult to get them positioned properly and I missed some. And only this morning (after planting it up yesterday), I realised I used some of the mixed crocus rather than just the Record variety which I intended. With different bulbs they will bloom at different times as they did last year so wanted to have the same but did not go according to plan! I will try to be more organised next year.

wedgwood hedgehog with crocus

Wedgwood hedgehog with crocus

Oct 2021 - start of the forcing season

We're a little late starting as the hyacinth growing season was a bit difficult and the hyacinths were late to be harvested but my bulbs ordered from Peter Nyssen arrived this week. My polydactyl cat Scarecrow who came to keep me company when I started doing my bulbs, I always have at least 1 cat appear when I do them.

How to Force Hyacinths
 
1. put the bulb in the cup of the vase
 
2. fill the vase with water to just under the bulb, the bulb must not sit in water (see photo below)
 
3. place the vases somewhere cool and dark for 6 weeks and then check weekly
 
4. I will add photos later of how tall the stem should be for them to come out into the light and warmth
 

forcing hyacinths for Christmas vase

buy bulbs at the garden centre / supermarket / DIY shop / mail order from a specialist supplier, eg Peter Nyssen

forcing hyacinth bulbs for Christmas vase

1. put the bulb in the cup of the vase

forcing hyacinth bulbs for Christmas vase

forcing hyacinths for Christmas vase

forcing hyacinth bulbs for Christmas vase

forcing hyac inth bulbs for Christmas vase

forcing hyacinth bulbs Christmas vase

2. fill the vases with water to just under the bulb, the bulb must not sit in water

forcing hyacinth bulbs for Christmas vase

3. place the vases somewhere cool and dark for 6 weeks and then check weekly

final hyacinths of the 2020/2021 forcing season

The final hyacinths of the forcing season. I'm not sure if those two on the right are going to make it but then I wasn't sure the two in the amethyst and green vases on the left would a week or so ago but they've grown well.

forced hyacinths in hyacinth vases

two Delft Blue hyacinths

delft blue forced hyacinth

delft blue forced hyacinth

these were the hyacinths a few days before the photos above, 2 City of Bradford on the left, Delft Blue on the right

forced hyacinths in hyacinth vases

hyacinths end of January

update a few days later, looking even better and fuller

city of bradford hyacinth

blue jacket hyacinths

a few days before the photos above, City of Bradford, a bit variable, but when they flower well, wonderful blooms with fabulous scent rivalling Delft Blue. City of Bradford on the right, 1 Delft Blue on the left.

hyacinth vases

hyacinth vases

Blue Jacket hyacinths

hyacinths vintage vases

these were the hyacinths a couple weeks ago

hyacinths in hyacinth vases

last hyacinths out of the cellar, not sure they're all going to bloom but it's so late now, I decided it's time to bring them out

hyacinth vases

exquisite hyacinths

I'm so lucky to have some exquisite hyacinths on my mantelpiece

forced hyacinths in hyacinth vases

hyacinths and crocus

first crocus in bloom, the vase is tiny but room enough for the crocus' roots

forced crocus in vases

forced crocus in vase

hyacinths yesterday - they seem to be at their peak - glorious fat flowers and an exquisite scent - just what one expects from Delft Blue hyacinths

forced hyacinths in vases

Sadly this hyacinth is completely bent over, as some do every year, but I have no idea how to correct it or if it is preventable

bent hyacinth in vase

This year has been more challenging than usual with a new kitten, Rocky. Not easily having as many vases on display.

rocky kitten with hyacinth vases

happy new year

dark January day with Delft Blue hyacinths in bloom with their intoxicating scent filling my living room

delft blue hyacinths in hyacinth vases

hyacinths in bloom and bud, few days after Christmas

hyacinths in bloom and bud, few days after Christmas

hyacinth vases

hyacinth vases

hyacinth vases

hyacinth vase

more amaryllis blooms

the La Paz amaryllis

la paz amaryllis

la amaryllis

forced hyacinths in vases

The Woodstock hyacinths did not do very well this year. They hardly grew out of the leaves. They do bloom early and they are a nice colour but I'm not sure they're worth it if there are not any reasonable flowers produced.

forced woodstock hyacinths

blooming hyacinths in vases and bowls - December 2020

blooming hyacinths a few days before Christmas

forced hyacinths for Christmas

forced hyacinths in vases for Christmas

forced hyacinths for Christmas

hyacinths in Davidson bulb bowl

forced hyacinths in vases

forced hyacinths in bulb bowl

forced hyacinths in bulb bowl

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