Hyacinthus orientalis 'Gipsy Queen'

Hyacinths are highly scented Spring flowering bulbs, but can flower in mid Winter if specially prepared bulbs are planted in containers indoors. Outdoor bulbs will normally flower in Spring

Plant hyacinth bulbs in fertile, free-draining soil, in a position where they will get plenty of sun. Wear gloves, as the bulbs can be an irritant. Plant the bulbs about 4" deep and at least 3" apart. If the soil is not free-draining, dig in organic matter to improve the drainage. If planting in containers, use a good compost, such as 2 parts John Innes No 2 mixed with 1 part grit or sand

With scooping, all of the basal plate of a healthy, dormant bulb is scooped out using a sterilised, sharpened teaspoon or scalpel, leaving the outer rim intact. Place scooped bulbs, with the base uppermost, on a layer of moist, coarse sand in a dark, warm place, like an airing cupboard.Bulbs should be checked regularly for disease and the sand kept moist. Bulblets form on the exposed edge of the scales (i.e. in the scooped section) after three months. In late autumn plant the mother bulb (with bulblets attached) the right way up, outside in a free bed and cover with 5-7.5cm (2-3in) of soil. In early summer, after the leaves of the mother bulb have died down, carefully lift the new bulbs which will be the size of peas or small marbles (note: the old mother bulb will have rotted away). Line out the bulbs in beds, lifting and replanting each year until they are full size