How to Force Hyacinth Bulbs in a Vase

With nothing more elaborate than forcing vases, bulbs, and some water, you can fill you home with blossoms and fragrance. Got little time to spare? No sweat. Forced hyacinths require no watering whatsoever -- the forcer serves up drinks. Here's how to do it:

Tools and Materials:

• Forcing vases
• Prechilled hyacinth bulbs
• Gloves
• Water

Click here to learn more bulb gardening tips.

If your hyacinth bulbs have not already been chilled, place them in the crispier drawer of your refrigerator for at least five weeks. Keep them away from produce. Wear gloves when handling hyacinth bulbs -- they can cause a skin reaction and can be an eye irritant.

Fill the forcing vase to just below the cup where the bulb will rest. The bulb will reach for the water.

Place the hyacinth bulb in the cup, root end down and growing end up (growth may already be showing) so the base is barely touching the water. Position the vase on a bright windowsill, and watch as it begins its blooming ballet. Periodically change the water and keep the level at the base of the bulb. Turn it every day to keep it growing upright. Forced bulbs do not usually make the transition to outside garden plants, so toss them in the compost bin once the nearly two-week fragrant show is over.

Learn more about forcing bulbs.