The grape hyacinth, also known as pearl hyacinth, is often found growing wild in meadows and front gardens. Its blue, clustered, candle-like, upright flowers are absolutely striking. If you want to plant them specifically, you should pay attention to the following instructions.
How do I plant grape hyacinths correctly?
To plant grape hyacinths, plant the bulbs 5 cm deep and 10 cm apart in well-drained, loose, nutrient-rich, sandy-loamy soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. Planting partners can be tulips, daffodils, crocuses, marshmallows, rhododendrons and forsythia.
Which location meets the needs of the grape hyacinth?
Although the grape hyacinth has its origins in Asia Minor, it copes well with the local climatic conditions and locations. It prefers to grow in a sunny location. She is also happy with the light partial shade. If it is too shady, it produces fewer flowers.
The grape hyacinth is often planted in places where it serves as a bed border. It also makes beds, borders and meadows pretty. It also feels extremely comfortable on the edge of the woods, for example under light deciduous trees.
What should the substrate be like?
Regardless of whether it is planted in a flower pot or outdoors, the grape hyacinth needs a suitable substrate. Conventional potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon) is suitable for growing in flower pots. In general, the earth should have the following characteristics:
- permeable
- easy
- nutrient-rich
- sandy-loamy
- medium difficulty
- not too humid
How deep should the bulb be planted and what distance should be observed?
The grape hyacinth bulb should be planted approximately 5 cm deep. To do this, it is necessary to dig the planting hole 8 to 10 cm deep. The earth is loosened up on all sides. A minimum distance of 10 cm should be maintained between individual bulbs to reduce the risk of fungal infestation.
Which planting partners are suitable?
Grape hyacinths work best in groups of 8 to 10. But they also look excellent next to other spring bloomers. These include, for example, the following copies:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Crocuses
- Märzenbecher
- Rhododendrons
- Forsythia
How to sow this plant?
The grape hyacinth likes to reproduce on its own using its seeds. After flowering, no pruning should be carried out as care for this purpose, but the flowers are left on the plant so that they can develop into fruits and seeds.
Tips & Tricks
When handling the poisonous grape hyacinth bulbs, you should wear gloves as a precaution. Skin contact with them often causes irritation.
