Hyacinthus Fondant Prepared

The Hyacinthus orientalis or 'Fondant' Hyacinth, like the delicious confectionery it is named after, is a treat for the eyes and nose. This highly fragrant variety produces clusters of waxy flowers that appear to be made of sugar, with a soft and pure pink colour, and seems to better withstand hot and dry climates in the garden. At home, this perfectly healthy and large-sized bulb, specially prepared for forcing, will bloom in the heart of winter, in a bright and cool room. Its flowers last for 2 weeks in a vase!

While the Oriental Hyacinth is no longer widely cultivated, this species, native to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, has given rise to countless cultivars highly appreciated in gardens for their delightful spring flowering or in floristry for their forcing ability. This botanical species can be found naturalized in France in the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, and Lot-et-Garonne regions.

The 'Fondant' Hyacinth, just like it, belongs to the family of hyacinthaceae, or asparagaceae. It has a large ovate bulb and forms a clump of bright green ribbon-like leaves, from which, starting in January indoors, a sturdy flower stalk emerges, 20 cm (8in) long, bearing numerous star-shaped flowers, diaphanous, with a thick and translucent substance, very pale pink with a candy pink median, tightly packed together, and with a sweet fragrance. The foliage is deciduous after flowering. It is at this moment that the bulb, whose reserves are depleted, enters dormancy. The forcing technique involves exposing the bulbs to cold temperatures for several weeks, starting from the end of summer, in order to break their dormancy and induce the flowering process.

Among early bloomers, the hyacinth is one of the few bulbs with large flowers, and one of the easiest to force for winter flowering. Reserve a prime spot for it, in a very bright room, away from any sources of heat. Forcing at home is child's play; for example, use a narrow-necked vase specially designed for forcing hyacinth bulbs. Fill it with water and place the bulb so that its base is just above the water. Ensure that the water level always reaches the base of the bulb, but never higher. Don't hesitate to mix different plant species suitable for this growing method to create original compositions: tulips, daffodils, crocuses, Greek anemones, squills, as well as branches of Japanese quince, forsythia, apple trees, cherry trees, plum trees.

The flowers of hyacinths are edible, both raw and cooked, and have a slightly mucilaginous texture. Depending on your preferences, you can crystallize them with sugar or incorporate them into fruit salads. In the past, they were considered a delicacy that could be found under the name of "candied Constantinople hyacinths".