Hyacinth
Hyacinthus orientalis
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Pl. CD0C — Hyacinthus orientalis
Hyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalisHyacinthus orientalis
IOverview
Overview
Hyacinthus orientalis, commonly known as Hyacinth, is a bulbous plant native to the eastern Mediterranean region including Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, and Turkey. This member of the Asparagaceae family is prized for its ornamental value, with distinctive clusters of fragrant flowers in vibrant colors like deep blue, pink, and white. Hyacinths are also edible; their bulbs can be used as a mild onion substitute in cooking. Preferring moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, hyacinths thrive in hardiness zones 3-7, reaching heights of about 0.3 meters and spreading to a width of 0.15 meters.
Quick answers
What is Hyacinth?
Hyacinthus orientalis, commonly known as Hyacinth, is a bulbous plant native to the eastern Mediterranean region including Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, and Turkey.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Hyacinths thrive in light conditions of moderate intensity and prefer a moist environment with well-draining, light (sandy) or medium soil. They are hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 3-7. For cultivation, plant the bulbs in soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5 for best results. Regular watering is essential to maintain moisture levels, but ensure the soil does not become waterlogged. Propagation can be done through bulb division after flowering.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.3 m × 0.15 m
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Hyacinth for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple hyacinth bulb for your first gardening project.
- 1
What you'll need
Hyacinth bulbs, potting soil, a container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late fall or early winter (October to December) for spring blooms.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil and a container that is at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep, with the pointed end up in the soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and provide full sun exposure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
After flowering, cut back spent flower stalks to encourage new growth but leave leaves intact.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to remove spent flowers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Bulb
Edible uses: The bulb of the Hyacinthus orientalis is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, it is prepared by boiling to soften before use in various culinary applications. Skip the detailed recipes as per the guidelines.
Other uses:DyeEssential OilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 16 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 16 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 4 native· 16 introduced
Europe6 regions
introduced (6)BulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyNetherlands
Asia4 regions
native (3)IraqPalestineTurkey
introduced (1)South Korea
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)CubaHaiti
Broader regions
native:Lebanon-Syria
introduced:Texas, California, Yugoslavia, Mexico Central, Pennsylvania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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