For many, the hyacinth's heady fragrance is synonymous with winter holidays. Grouped on window sills or mantels, in forcing jars of crystal, cobalt, amythyst or green-colored glass, hyacinths enhance the holiday mood.
Potted hyacinths are also available at holiday time at florist shops and many nurseries.
Hyacinths, amaryllis and paperwhites can all be grown on special cinch-waisted glass containers called forcing jars. Many of the forcing jars available today at florist shops or via mail-order catalogues are reproductions of famous designs from the Victorian era or earlier. Amaryllis and paperwhites are warm climate plants, ready to grow, just add water and off they go. The hyacinth is from a colder clime and needs to experience winter in order to bloom. A Step by Step Guide to Forcing Hyacinths on Glasses Select firm unblemished hyacinth bulbs, exhibition size is most rewarding.