Hyacinth Bulb Itch - What To Do For Hyacinth Skin Allergy

If you do get affected by hyacinth irritation, the only way to treat it is to wash the area of skin with soap and water. The itch won't last forever, but washing will bring quicker relief. An antihistamine may also help relieve the itching sooner. It's also important to note that hyacinth bulbs are toxic.

Can hyacinths bulbs cause a rash?

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)

About 6 percent of the hyacinth bulb is composed of calcium oxalate crystals. Although tiny, these crystals are sharp and can irritate skin on contact. They can also become airborne and cause rashes on other areas of skin.

What is eating my hyacinths?

Squirrels and other Rodents: Squirrels, chipmunks and voles dig up hyacinth bulbs and eat the flowers as well.

What to do with forced hyacinth bulbs after flowering?

To Save All Forced Bulbs: Clip off dead blooms, leaving the foliage intact. Set containers in a sunny window indoors, or a bright, but protected spot outside and continue watering as usual. Allow the soil to dry out completely once the leaves have withered and died.

Should I lift my hyacinth bulbs?

When all the foliage has completely died back – which will be at least six weeks after flowering – you can either lift the bulbs from the pot and store them in a dry, dark place ready for repotting next autumn or leave them in the pot, making sure they do not become too wet.

Can flowers and bulbs cause dermatitis?

Bulbs, including those of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, may contain a high concentration of calcium oxalate. Bulb dermatitis is most prominently an occupational hazard of florists, gardeners, bulb planters, and the individuals who cut the flowers.

What do hyacinth bulbs look like?

Planting hyacinth bulbs:

Bulbs look much like a small onion, with wiry roots growing out of one site and a spike on the other. ... If you are planting in containers, you can space them a little closer together. After planting, water well so that the soil above the bulbs settles. Hyacinth bulbs will flower in the Spring.

When do you fertilize hyacinth bulbs?

Hyacinths tolerate acid soil but thrive in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. The best time to fertilize bulbs is in fall, when they are sending out new roots. The next best time to fertilize is in early spring, just as the foliage begins to push through the soil.

How many years will hyacinths bloom?

Let's look at them in some detail. The first is how many years will bulbs bloom dependably after planting. Most tulips and hyacinths are dependable for one year and with luck, maybe two. Springs beyond usually see foliage only.

Can hyacinth bulbs be left in the ground?

After flowering, indoor hyacinths can be planted outdoors. Whereas hyacinths grown in the ground require little maintenance. Once the flowers have faded they can be removed, but allow time for the leaves to die back naturally.

What can I do with old hyacinth bulbs?

Once the leaves are dead, cut the entire plant back to soil level, so only bulb and roots remain. Move your pot to a cold, dark space. You may even want to put a paper grocery or black garbage bag over the pot to keep out the light. Don't touch your hyacinth until the spring.

Can forced hyacinth bulbs be planted outside?

Answer: Tulips, hyacinths, and most other spring-flowering bulbs that have been forced indoors are usually discarded after flowering. Most won't bloom again when planted outdoors. ... Forced daffodils can be saved and successfully planted outdoors.

Can indoor hyacinth bulbs be planted outside?

Hyacinths make wonderful indoor plants in the dark days of winter or at the beginning of spring, and can be planted outside once finished flowering.

Can you leave hyacinth bulbs in pots?

Hyacinths are famous for their pleasant fragrance. They also grow very well in pots, meaning once they're in bloom you can move them wherever you'd like, perfuming a patio, a walkway, or a room in your house.

What is the best way to store hyacinth bulbs?

Curing hyacinths is very easy. Lay the bulbs out on a newspaper in a cool, dark place for three days. After that, store them in a cool, dark location in a mesh bag. They're now ready to be planted in your garden in the autumn or forced indoors in late winter.

What month do you plant hyacinth bulbs?

When to plant hyacinths

Plant bulbs outdoors in borders and containers in early autumn for flowering in March and April. Prepared bulbs should be planted in September if you want blooms for Christmas flowering, as they require 10-12 weeks for good root and shoot development.

Why do hyacinth bulbs make you itch?

The crystals of calcium oxalate, which make up as much as six percent of the bulb, can become airborne, causing irritation on any exposed skin. Your hands may get especially itchy when handling hyacinth bulbs, but other areas of skin can also be affected.

Can daffodils cause allergies?

Although beautiful, daffodils have resulted in severe allergic problems, including death. Symptoms have included allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis (from contact with narcissus sap) and urticaria.

How do you prepare hyacinth bulbs?

Prepare the Hyacinth Bulbs

This means they have been chilled and are ready to plant up. If you are preparing your own bulbs, simply place them in a refrigerator drawer for at least five weeks. Keep them away from food produce, and keep checking on them. They are ready when they start to sprout.

How do you care for indoor hyacinth bulbs?

You don't need to plant indoor hyacinths as deeply as you would plant them in pots or in the ground. Simply place the bulbs on a 5cm layer of compost, so they're close together but not touching. Fill compost around them so the top of each bulb is visible. Water lightly to moisten the compost.

Are hyacinths poisonous?

Hyacinth bulbs are poisonous; they contain oxalic acid. Handling hyacinth bulbs can cause mild skin irritation. Protective gloves are recommended.

Are hyacinths poisonous to dogs?

Tulips and Hyacinth bulbs contain a toxin which can irritate dogs' mouths and gastrointestinal tract, resulting in drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. Serious cases are rare but heart problems and difficulty breathing are also symptoms of Tulip poisoning.