Forcing Hyacinths

 For the past couple of years we've forced hyacinths so we could enjoy their flower and fragrance in winter. All it takes is a forcing glass, fresh hyacinth bulbs, water and a little time.

 Tom bought two bags of nice bulbs last fall ... one white, one purple. I've held them on the enclosed porch and started them at the beginning of January. It's interesting to note that white hyacinths force much more quickly. I've done two batches and each followed the exact same timeline.

 The bulbs were purchased from A.J. Rahn Greenhouses in Cincinnati. Or so Tom seems to remember.

 Here's a photo blog of their progress:

January 6 

 I always start the bulbs on the second floor toilet tank. It's cool and usually somewhat dark. Tap water must be added to the forcing vase whenever it drops below the base of the bulb.

January 20 

 Only two weeks have passed from bag to substantial green tops. The purple one (l) is decidedly slower than the white.

January 27 

 Just three weeks after starting the white hyacinth it's beginning to open its flower. Even in these early stages, the scent is intoxicating.

January 29 

 Now that the flower has begun to bloom I've moved the bulb from the toilet to a south-facing windowsill. That will speed up the blooming.

January 31 

 The low temperature outside has been 07° and -6° but we have springtime inside Pinehaven. Here Tom holds the fully open bloom. The bulb has taken but 25 days to get to this stage.

February 3

 I've moved the purple bulb to the warm windowsill in hopes of speeding its progress. The flower is just now getting ready to open.

 Another five days and the purple is coming into full bloom ...

February 8