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Langford: Plant hyacinths now for a fragrant spring

Published October 14, 2006 at midnight

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The hyacinth emits the most spectacular flower perfume of all the spring blooms. The flower's spikes, coming up early in the spring, chase away the winter blahs. They're also easy to grow, so start planting.

These beauties come in a wild array of colors, including white, lavender, blue, red and pink. Carefully consider where you plant these bulbs, which bloom in April and May. Some gardeners prefer to put out single colors in a drift pattern commonly used with daffodils. These two bulbs can be planted together for a spectacular show in either formal or informal settings. The same is true with tulips, although they and daffodils, being taller, should be planted behind the smaller flowers.

Another striking spring show can be achieved with border plantings. Vibrant purple, vivid red, pale pink or buff hyacinth varieties can be mixed or blended with early-blooming violas or pansies of contrasting or solid colors.

If you like formal gardens, hyacinths lend stately grandeur to beds. They can be grouped in squares, circles or any geometric pattern to catch the eye.

Be sure to plant the bulbs deep enough; the top of the bulb should be 4 or 5 inches from the surface. They can be planted from now until it freezes, but the sooner the better. If your planting area is made up of heavy clay, mix in organic material like compost, sphagnum moss or treated manure. Bone meal or bone and blood-meal mixes can be incorporated around the new bulbs. This food is gentle and slow-releasing, so there's no danger from burning.

Choose the bulbs at your local garden outlet so you can inspect them for damage. Pick only large, firm, healthy-colored specimens. Pass on any that show damage, like deep cuts or splits, as well as any with disease spots or mold.

With the kind of color selection available, every yard and flower garden should sport some of these great spring cheer-me-ups.

Dale Langford is an area garden specialist.