Hyacinthus 'Delft Blue' is a classic prepared hyacinth prized for its beautiful porcelain-blue flowers and powerful fragrance. Dense flower spikes rise above glossy green foliage, filling the home with colour and scent during the darkest weeks of winter.

These bulbs have been specially prepared for early indoor forcing and can be brought into flower around Christmas and New Year when planted and grown under suitable conditions. 'Delft Blue' is particularly attractive planted in groups in decorative bowls and pots, but can also be grown without compost in traditional hyacinth forcing vases.

• Botanical name: Hyacinthus orientalis 'Delft Blue'
• Common name: Prepared Hyacinth
• Plant type: Prepared spring-flowering bulb
• Flower colour: Porcelain blue
• Flowering period: Christmas-New Year when forced indoors
• Height: Approximately 25cm
• Spread: Approximately 10-15cm
• Fragrance: Highly fragrant
• Position: Cool and bright once brought into growth
• Ideal for: Indoor pots, bowls, Christmas displays and forcing vases

About Hyacinthus 'Delft Blue'

'Delft Blue' is one of the best-known blue hyacinths, producing substantial spikes packed with waxy, star-shaped flowers. Their soft porcelain-blue colouring works particularly well indoors, while the rich perfume can scent an entire room when several bulbs are flowering together.

Its compact growth makes it ideal for windowsills, tables and seasonal displays. At approximately 25cm tall, the flower spikes are large enough to make an impact without requiring a large container.

What Is a Prepared Hyacinth?

Prepared hyacinth bulbs have received a carefully controlled temperature treatment before sale. This encourages them to begin their flowering cycle earlier than bulbs planted normally outdoors, allowing them to be forced into flower during winter.

'Delft Blue' is prepared for flowering around Christmas and New Year. Exact flowering time will vary according to planting date, temperature and growing conditions, so a particular flowering date cannot be guaranteed.

How to Plant Prepared Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' Bulbs

Plant the bulbs as soon as possible after receiving them. Choose a shallow bowl or pot with suitable free-draining compost. Position each bulb so that the upper part of the bulb and growing tip remain above the compost.

For a more impressive display, plant several 'Delft Blue' bulbs together. They can be positioned quite closely but should ideally not touch one another. Water after planting, keeping the compost lightly moist rather than wet.

Forcing 'Delft Blue' for Christmas

After planting, place the container somewhere cool and dark to encourage good root development. Check periodically and prevent the compost from drying out completely.

Once the bulbs are well rooted and the shoots have developed, gradually move them into a cool, bright position. The warmth and increased light will encourage the flower spikes to develop. Keeping flowering plants away from radiators and other strong heat sources will help the blooms last longer.

Growing 'Delft Blue' in Water

Prepared 'Delft Blue' bulbs are also suitable for growing in traditional hyacinth forcing vases. Fill the vase so that the water level sits immediately beneath the bulb without touching its base. The roots will grow down into the water as the bulb develops.

As with bulbs grown in compost, begin with a cool, dark rooting period before gradually moving the vase into the light.

Height and Spread

Hyacinthus 'Delft Blue' reaches approximately 25cm in height when flowering and around 10-15cm in spread. Planting several bulbs together creates a dense display of blue flower spikes.

Why Grow Hyacinthus 'Delft Blue'?

• Classic porcelain-blue flowers
• Highly fragrant blooms
• Prepared for early indoor flowering
• Ideal for Christmas and New Year displays
• Excellent in decorative pots and bowls
• Can also be forced in water
• Compact growth suitable for windowsills and tables

Frequently Asked Questions

When does prepared Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' flower?
When correctly forced indoors, prepared bulbs are intended to flower around Christmas and New Year. Timing can vary depending on temperature and growing conditions.

What colour is Hyacinth 'Delft Blue'?
'Delft Blue' produces soft porcelain-blue flowers densely arranged on upright flower spikes.

Is Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' scented?
Yes. It is highly fragrant and is an excellent choice if you want a strongly scented indoor winter display.

How tall does Hyacinth 'Delft Blue' grow?
Plants typically reach approximately 25cm (10 inches) tall when flowering.

Can I plant several bulbs in one pot?
Yes. Planting several bulbs together in a bowl creates an impressive display. Position them close together but avoid having the bulbs directly touching.

Can 'Delft Blue' be grown in water?
Yes. Prepared bulbs can be grown in a hyacinth vase, with the bulb held immediately above the water while its roots grow down into it.

How can I make the flowers last longer?
Once flowering begins, keep the plant in a bright but relatively cool room and away from radiators, fires and other strong sources of heat.

With its combination of porcelain-blue flowers, compact growth and wonderful fragrance, Hyacinthus 'Delft Blue' remains an excellent choice for creating a traditional indoor hyacinth display at Christmas and into the New Year.