garden withindoors

These hyacinths are developing well. These will be my first in bloom, hopefully in time for Christmas.

Beginning of December, first hyacinths are ready to come out of the dark. I think they need to be out for 3 weeks before they bloom so that gives a good chance for blooms on Christmas Day.

when the bulge of the flower has grown out of the bulb, they are ready to come out of the dark

a common failure of forced hyacinths is taking them out of the dark too early, but as long as that bulge is in the stem, they are ready to come into the light, these are ready

definitely ready to come out of the dark into the light

these are more than ready - not only is the bulge of the flower grown out of the bulb but one is starting to open, I'm probably a bit late taking this bulb bowl out of the dark (Davidson uranium glass bulb bowl)

The hyacinth bulb bowls in the cellar, notice what different stages of development the hyacinths are - some are ready to come into the light, some not at all. The downside of using bulb bowls. 

A few days later, I brought up one of the bulb bowls as some of the hyacinths are so ready even if all of the bulbs in a bowl are not at the same stage. Rocky cannot resist playing with the hyacinth bulbs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

1. put the bulb in the cup of the vase

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

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

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.

two Delft Blue hyacinths

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

update a few days later, looking even better and fuller

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.

Blue Jacket hyacinths

these were the hyacinths a couple weeks ago

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hyacinths in bloom and bud, few days after Christmas