How to Care for and Plant Grape Hyacinths

Grape hyacinths (Muscari spp.) are perennial springtime bulbs that bloom in white or purple flowers that look like hanging clusters of grapes. They're hardy bulbs that can bloom year after year, even enduring cold winter temperatures. Muscari armeniacum, the most familiar species of grape hyacinths, is native to Asia Minor. Grape hyacinths need a little bit of proper care, and planting them is very simple.

Grape hyacinth bulbs
Shovel or garden spade
Garden hose or watering can
Bone meal

Instructions

- 1
  Plant grape hyacinth bulbs in the fall at the same time as other spring-flowering bulbs. Choose a planting site that has full sunlight to partial shade and any type of well-draining soil.
- 2
  Dig planting holes for the grape hyacinth bulbs that are about 3 to 4 inches deep and spaced 3 to 5 inches apart. Set the bulbs in the planting holes with the "eyes" facing up, and then cover them with soil.
- 3
  Press down the soil gently by hand. Water the newly planted bulbs moderately, just to moisten the soil if it's dry.
- 4
  Apply bone-meal fertilizer to the grape hyacinths after planting the bulbs. After blooming, apply the bone meal annually thereafter. Follow the dosage instructions on the fertilizer label.
- 5
  Divide the grape hyacinths when they begin to look crowded and produce fewer flowers. After the foliage begins to wilt and die back in fall, dig and lift the clumps, using a shovel or garden spade. Separate the bulbs and replant the largest ones, discarding the smaller bulbs.

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Bulbs