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Hints on the Cultivation
OF
HYACINTHS
Pot Culture
in the Window
or Greenhouse.
— A four-inch pot
is the best size for
the successful
growth of the
bulb. It delights
in a light, rich,
sandy soil ; when
placed in the pot
the upper surface
of the bulb should show above -the soil.
After potting, water thoroughly and place
them in a dark, cool place in the cellar,
or out of doors well covered up with
ashes, sand or such like material, there
to remain until well rooted, when they
should be taken in, a few at a time, to
keep up a succession of bloom, and set
in a warm and light place, in the house or greenhouse, to
bring them into flower. When in active growth they
should have an abundance of water. Support the flower
stems with light stakes if it becomes necessary to keep
them erect.
GLASS CULTURE.— Hyacinths are very pretty and
very interesting when grown in glasses. Their man-
agement thus is simple and as follows : Fill the glass
with clean rain-water, so that the base of the bulb when
set in the receptacle for it on top of the glass will just
touch the water. Set away in a cool, dark place until
well rooted. A succession may be kept up in the manner
recommended in pot culture. Change the water fre-
quently, washing out the roots, if necessary, to cleanse
them of any foreign substance. A piece of charcoal in
the glass will serve to keep the water sweet, and also
afford nourishment to the plant.
Out- DOOR Culture. — Plant iii October or early in November, in soil deeply cultivated and rich. Set
the bulbs about six inches apart and about four inches deep, and, when convenient, placing a handful of sand
around each to prevent rot. Cover the surface of the bed with light, short manure, as a protection to the
bulbs during the severe months of winter. Remove this covering as soon as the severe frost is gone in
spring. After flowering, and when the foliage is well matured, the bulbs may be removed from the soil and
kept dry until the following fall ; or, if the bed is wanted for summer flowering plants before the foliage is
ripened, the bulbs may be carefully removed and again covered with soil in any out-of-the-way corner of the
garden until they have matured their foliage.
Some cultivators allow their bulbs to remain in the beds for several years undisturbed and with excellent