When to plant hyacinths in Joplin: 2 October – end of December

In Joplin, hyacinth: plant from 2 October to the end of December.

Bulbs are best planted early in the window: late-planted bulbs may flower later or less well. Late planting works only while the soil can be dug. Mulch after planting.

The average daily temperature here stays above 0 °C all winter, and at least three months average 7 °C or less: our rule of thumb for the winter cold spring bulbs need. Sources: Iowa State University Extension, Wisconsin Horticulture Extension, UNH Extension, RHS.

Hyacinth in Joplin: soil, season and weather

Nights then average below 0 °C in January, February; the coldest, January, averages -2.2 °C.

Planting	2 October – end of December
First autumn frost	1 November
Coldest nights	January, -2.2 °C
Soil back at 1 °C in spring	already in the first week of January
Daylight	11:47 on 2 October
Daylight at the winter solstice	9:37

The same dates in Joplin hold for Garlic, Tulip, Daffodil and Crocus.

Hyacinth in Joplin: depth, winter cold, pests and pets

Plant hyacinths 10 cm deep, at least 7.5 cm apart (RHS). In the ground hyacinths are fully hardy, but in containers they can be frost tender in cold winters (RHS); here winter nights average below 0 °C, so wrap the pots or move them to a sheltered spot.

In Joplin the average daily temperature stays at 10 °C or lower for about 16 weeks a year (our estimate from ten years of monthly weather). For this bulb Wisconsin Horticulture Extension gives a cold period of 12–15 weeks at about 2–10 °C. The winter here gives that in the ground, so the bulbs need no pre-chilling.

Flowers get smaller in the years after planting: for full spikes, replace the bulbs or add a few new ones each autumn (RHS).

If squirrels are a problem, protect the bulbs with wire mesh (RHS). Hyacinths are toxic to dogs, cats and horses: intense vomiting and diarrhoea (ASPCA).

Sources: RHS, Wisconsin Horticulture Extension, ASPCA.

Hyacinth in nearby cities

Around Joplin, Topeka is 3 days earlier and Fort Smith 17 days later.

City	Distance	Date	Difference
Fayetteville	118 km	11 October – end of December	9 days later
Tulsa	168 km	by 18 October	16 days later
Fort Smith	189 km	by 19 October	17 days later
Kansas City	225 km	2 October – end of December	same day
Topeka	241 km	29 September – 30 December	3 days earlier
Wichita	259 km	30 September – end of December	2 days earlier

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