Grape Hyacinth Growing Guide

Muscari

Grape Hyacinth

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Average garden soil with good drainage.

Position

Full sun in spring, sun to partial shade in summer.

Frost tolerant

Excellent. Most muscari are hardy to -32C (-25F); cold tolerance varies with species.

Feeding

Topdress with rich compost in spring, when new growth appears. Muscari that have naturalised in lawns usually need no additional fertilisers.

Companions

Petite muscari make excellent neighbours for taller daffodils or tulips. They are popular for naturalising in open woodlands, or along the edge of the lawn.

Spacing

Single Plants: 15cm (5") each way (minimum)
Rows: 15cm (5") with 15cm (5") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out dormant bulbs from late summer to early winter. Cover the bulbs to four times their depth with loose soil. Spacing can be as close as 5cm (2in) between muscari bulbs when planting them for spring display. Allow 15cm (6in) between bulbs when naturalising; they will multiply on their own.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Easy to grow and long-lived in many areas, muscari is a great low-maintenance bulb to add to informal landscapes. Vibrant shades of blue are available in several cultivars.

Harvesting

Tiny muscari blossoms can be combined with pansies in mini-flower arrangements. Cut when one third of the bell-shaped florets are open. As the flowers fade in the garden, trim them off with scissors or secateurs if you want to prevent reseeding.

Troubleshooting

Muscari have few pest problems. They are best grown in sites where their tendency to multiply is welcome.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Grape Hyacinth