Although compost can always be used, hyacinths can be grown on top of water with no compost at all.
This is possible only with bulbs that are quick to produce their flowers and only if you do not wish to use the bulbs for a second flowering the following year, because all the food reserves will have been used up and not replenished.
Hyacinths have been grown in this way for many years, and special glass hyacinth vases are available.
These have an upper cup in which the bulb is held so that it does not sit actually touching the water.
The taller plants need the addition of small stones in the water to help anchor the roots and stabilize the plants.
Many colors of gravel and chippings are available for landscaping and for use in fish tanks and these are suitable for use with all bulbs grown on water, as are colored glass nuggets.
Hyacinths cope with a shallow container, only 3 inches deep, although they are happy with a deeper root run.
Although sturdy in physique, hyacinth bulbs are susceptible to virus diseases and fungus problems.
They are, therefore, often treated with a special chemical to maintain their health.
Touching the bulbs can produce a mild allergic reaction, so people who have susceptible skins should wear gloves when they handle them.
For an outdoor container, try ferine or choose one of the cultivars that flowers in early or mid autumn.
The greenhouse will provide protection for all these plants from warmer climates, which cannot cope with freezing winter temperatures.
Move pots of tubas into the greenhouse, together with cannas, begonias and leucosis, as soon as autumn frosts are forecasts.