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Hyacinth bulb indoor planting

kate.ockendenkate.ockenden Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hello there,
A couple of days ago I bought some hyacinth bulbs for forcing.  In previous years, I've planted them and put them in a cold greenhouse, excluding light with black bin bags.  Each time, the bulbs grow strong roots, which push the bulbs out of the compost so they look like they've grown spider legs and are trying to escape!  Is this normal - I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong - any tips on successful planting would be much appreciated.  This problem didn't stop them flowering, just seems odd that they always tend to do this for me!
Thanks in advance for any help, and happy gardening!

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Maybe not enough depth of compost below the bulbs for the roots to grow down into, or maybe it's packed down too hard so the roots can't get down into it?
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • kate.ockendenkate.ockenden Posts: 4
    Thank you JennyJ, so would you basically fill a pot with compost, not firm it down too much, and sit the bulbs on top - something like that?  Or do you push them down into the compost gently?
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    It would make sense to buy prepared bulbs...they cost the same but are ready to go. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • kate.ockendenkate.ockenden Posts: 4
    Thank you, sorry, I should have explained that I do use prepared bulbs, but this still happens.
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Very odd...they only reason I can think if the pot isn't deep enough. They're not exactly fussy. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I always used to plant them with just the tops of the bulbs showing (but I've not grown them for years). Put some compost in, then the bulbs, then fill around them so you're not compacting the compost.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • kate.ockendenkate.ockenden Posts: 4
    Thanks both - perhaps I was firming the compost down a little too keenly in previous years!  I'll try again with JennyJ's advice.  Love hyacinths, we all need a bit of floral cheer over winter, particularly this year I think!!  
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