Hyacinth in a jar
Posted: December 18, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 10 CommentsLast week a friend brought over an unusual and thoughtful gift — a hyacinth bulb in an hourglass-shaped jar. The instructions from the shop were to add water to just below the bulb, but not touching it. I did that, placed it on my kitchen window sill, and then waited and waited. I was watching for the tiny green leaf tip to grow taller out of the purple bulb.
But it turns out that I was looking for growth in the wrong place. I went away for a few days and when I returned the jar was full of long roots. Duh. Of course the roots would establish themselves first.
I’ve never grown a hyacinth in water before. Have you? Did it bloom? I am curious about this, and of course I’m waiting to draw it again when the leaves emerge.
I started this drawing way too late in the day, as the winter sun was descending. I drew quickly in the fading light, using the “Lofty” pencil in Procreate on my iPad.
you’re in for a treat! Hyacinths reliably bloom in water. Just keep it topped up to the bi
Ottom of the bulb.
Fantastic! I can’t wait! Thanks for letting me know.
What a lovely gift. You will be rewarded with a wonderfully fragrant flower. After it finishes blooming, go ahead and plant it outside next spring. Be careful though, some people develop a slight rash from handling the bulbs.
Thanks Carol. Of course you would know about these things. I will handle the bulb with care!
I love them in jars and always forget to buy bulbs in the fall:) Lovely gift!Perfectly sketched..Comme toujours.:)
Thanks Monique. This is all new to me! Not the drawing part of course but the growing bulbs in water part 🙂
You might want to rotate the jar every couple days once the shoot really starts growing. Mine really reach towards the light and can tip themselves over.
Have you started an amaryllis, too?
I will rotate it for sure. I just noticed that all the roots are growing on one side. Should it be in a dark place for a few weeks? I was just reading that on someone’s website. I love amarylis but I didn’t buy one this year. I think I need one!
No need for darkness for the roots… they are remarkably adaptive. And you will want sunlight on the leaves as they emerge.
This is the right way. In the Netherlands we did an do it the same way. Be patient.