How to Force Hyacinth Bulbs

Using the Water Method for forcing spring bulbs

Forcing bulbs in water is the simplest and easiest way to force bulbs. Hyacinth bulbs work best for this method, but if you have a single bulb, there’s nothing lost in trying others this way. Sometimes it works!

You don’t need any special gear to get a hyacinth bulb started in water, but there are beautiful and elegant hyacinth forcers if you are interested in investing in something just for this purpose. I love the vintage forcers on Etsy!

Be sure you use pre-chilled bulbs. Almost all spring bulbs need a period of dormancy, so purchase pre-chilled bulbs for forcing.

 

MATERIALS

  • Pre-Chilled hyacinth bulbs

  • A forcer or vase with a narrow neck that will support the bulb

  • Water

 

Choose Your Container

For this method, you want a container that supports the bulb up out of the water. Of the containers depicted above, only the repurposed salsa jar will do that (it’s Pace Salsa, in case you are interested!). There are also specialized containers which are designed for forcing hyacinth bulbs in water as well.

Fill it with Water

You want the water level to just kiss the bottom of the bulb. This will encourage root growth and prevent rotting.

Place your Bulb

Place your bulb on the top of the container and check the water level. Adjust as needed. Top up the water as needed, but there shouldn’t be much evaporation as the bulb will largely keep the water from meeting the air.

Now wait for blooms!

 

HOW TO FORCE BULBS IN GRAVEL

The gravel method of forcing works best for daffodils and hyacinth bulbs. It’s really easy and beautiful.

HOW TO FORCE BULBS IN SOIL

This is the go-to method for all bulbs including tulips, hyacinth, crocus, daffodils, and even amaryllis.

HOW TO FORCE SPRING BULBS

All the basics behind the how and why of forcing spring bulbs.

 
 

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Forcing hyacinth bulbs is easy. Learn how to force bulbs in a vase and which vases to use for forcing bulbs. Learn how to force bulbs and why forcing bulbs indoors is so easy. This tutorial shows you how to force hyacinth bulbs and forcing bulbs in vases, too. Also: bulb forcing vases, bulb forcing vase, and forcing bulbs indoors.