How to Grow Grape Hyacinth

Plant it and forget it is a good description of the reliable grape hyacinth. This early bloomer sends up spikes of blue or purple grape-like flowers in the center of grassy clumps. Spring beds of yellow daffodils and red tulips fronted by the low-growing grape hyacinth are a striking landscape combination. To plant them is to love them and here's how to do it with ease.

Things You'll Need

• Grape hyacinth bulbs
• Garden trowel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material (optional)

Instructions

1. Select a planting location. Grape hyacinth has few location requirements. For best blooming, plant in a sunny spot that has excellent soil drainage. Soggy locations will rot the bulbs.

2. Dig the planting holes. Position grape hyacinth bulbs in 3 inch deep holes with the pointed end facing upward. Small individual holes may be dug or dig several larger ones for several bulbs to create a clustered effect.

3. Water the bulbs. After backfilling the original soil to cover the grape hyacinth bulbs, water the planting area well. A thin layer of mulch may be spread over the are, but is more cosmetic than a requirement. Shredded leaves or compost is also acceptable.

4. Allow foliage dieback. The grass-like foliage of the grape hyacinth will last far into the spring. After the bulb has finished blooming, allow the foliage to remain. The leaves will turn yellow late in the spring and then may be cut back. This die-back provides important nutrients to the grape hyacinth bulb.

Tips & Warnings

• Grape Hyacinth is a spring garden staple in hardiness zones 3 through 9. The deep blue "Muscari botryoides" is the most common and hardiest of the grape hyacinth. Other varieties range in color from white to different shades of blue and purple. Availability may depend on your hardiness zone.

• The grape hyacinth requires little care. Fertilize in fall or spring. Some varieties of grape hyacinths can self seed and spread themselves around the garden. It is more likely that the plants will become crowded over time. Dig the bulbs in fall to thin and replant.