How to Force Hyacinth Bulbs in a Vase for Indoor Fragrance

With just a forcing vase, prechilled bulbs, and water, you can fill your home with fragrance and blooms—no watering required. Here's how:

Tools & Materials

• Forcing vases (hourglass-shaped)
• Prechilled hyacinth bulbs
• Gloves (bulbs can irritate skin and eyes)
• Water

Step 1: Chill Bulbs (If Needed)

If bulbs aren't prechilled, refrigerate in the crisper drawer for at least 5 weeks, away from produce. Wear gloves when handling.

Step 2: Fill the Vase

Fill to just below the bulb cup. The bulb will reach down for water.

Step 3: Position and Grow

Place bulb root-end down, growing-end up (growth may show) so base barely touches water. Set on a bright windowsill. Change water periodically, keep level at bulb base. Rotate daily for straight growth. After the ~2-week fragrant show, compost the bulb—forced bulbs rarely transition to garden plants. Learn more about forcing bulbs.