<p>These are a selection of varieties where the bulbs have been specially prepared to ensure they flower as early as possible. The preparation doesn't involve any application of chemicals, but just means the bulbs have been kept in a large chiller unit for 8-10 weeks (it fools them into thinking they have already had winter, so when you plant them in a slightly warmer place they think spring has sprung and start to grow away.)</p>
<p>These are perfect for indoor displays - the scent is intoxicating! Use a good quality multipurpose compost, and make sure the pot has good drainage. Arrange the bulbs close together, but not touching, with the 'nose' of the bulbs just above the surface of the compost. Top with grit or moss. Water once, then sparingly until the bulbs have come into growth. Keep in a cool dark place for 3 weeks, and then move into a light, warm spot for flowering.</p>
<p>Once the bulbs have finished flowering, move the pot outside and let the foliage die back naturally. You can plant the bulbs out in the garden, but repeat-flowering of forced bulbs can sometimes be sporadic.</p>
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<p>Hyacinth bulbs contain oxalic acid, which not only make them poisonous if ingested (don't eat them!), but can cause mild skin irritation. It is important to wash your hands after planting these, or always use gloves when handling.</p>
Prepared for Forcing
These are a selection of varieties where the bulbs have been specially prepared to ensure they flower as early as possible. The preparation doesn't involve any application of chemicals, but just means the bulbs have been kept in a large chiller unit for 8-10 weeks (it fools them into thinking they have already had winter, so when you plant them in a slightly warmer place they think spring has sprung and start to grow away.)
These are perfect for indoor displays - the scent is intoxicating! Use a good quality multipurpose compost, and make sure the pot has good drainage. Arrange the bulbs close together, but not touching, with the 'nose' of the bulbs just above the surface of the compost. Top with grit or moss. Water once, then sparingly until the bulbs have come into growth. Keep in a cool dark place for 3 weeks, and then move into a light, warm spot for flowering.
Once the bulbs have finished flowering, move the pot outside and let the foliage die back naturally. You can plant the bulbs out in the garden, but repeat-flowering of forced bulbs can sometimes be sporadic.
Hyacinth bulbs contain oxalic acid, which not only make them poisonous if ingested (don't eat them!), but can cause mild skin irritation. It is important to wash your hands after planting these, or always use gloves when handling.
