The bulb forcing year starts in August/September buying bulbs. Then the bulbs quietly grow roots in the dark until the beginning of December when they are brought into the light and warmth and can begin blooming from Christmas day onwards when it is magic to have flowers and scent indoors in the middle of winter.
I force about 200 hyacinth bulbs each year. I try different hyacinth varieties from different bulb companies and compare how they perform. I'm always trying to formulate the best ways to force hyacinths and this is the documentation of my results. I also have a site devoted to hyacinth vases (www.hyacinthvases.org.uk). (please note that all text and images are copyright)
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This year has been more challenging than usual with a new kitten, Rocky. Not easily having as many vases on display.
Submitted by ju1i3 on 4 February, 2021 - 05:31
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
Submitted by ju1i3 on 26 January, 2021 - 12:31
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
Submitted by ju1i3 on 8 January, 2021 - 17:17
I'm so lucky to have some exquisite hyacinths on my mantelpiece
Submitted by ju1i3 on 7 January, 2021 - 11:53
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
Submitted by ju1i3 on 4 January, 2021 - 07:43
dark January day with Delft Blue hyacinths in bloom with their intoxicating scent filling my living room
Submitted by ju1i3 on 28 December, 2020 - 16:06
hyacinths in bloom and bud, few days after Christmas
Submitted by ju1i3 on 27 December, 2020 - 08:16
the La Paz amaryllis
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.
Submitted by ju1i3 on 23 December, 2020 - 11:38
blooming hyacinths a few days before Christmas
Submitted by ju1i3 on 17 December, 2020 - 05:05
The weather has been so warm this year, the hyacinths are very early. I usually worry if I'll have any hyacinths in bloom for Christmas because they haven't started blooming, instead this year I worry if they've bloomed too early.
the sky-high amaryllis on the right on the windowsill, some bulb bowls in bloom, the Wedgwood hedgehog with some fat crocus which will be in bloom soon
closer view of the Wedgwood hedgehog with fat crocus shoots
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