Grape hyacinth care guide

Pets and children

We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.

How often to water Grape hyacinth

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 5 days

From sprouting until the leaves die back, water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; once the leaves wither, stop and let the pot rest dry over summer.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 7 days

After planting, generally water when the soil dries; unless very dry, rain alone is often enough.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 7 days

The leaves keep growing in winter: water pots thoroughly in the morning when the soil dries, as a guide, not in a freezing evening.

Light and placement for Grape hyacinth

A sunny spot outdoors from fall to spring is the guide; in low light the leaves stretch and flowers drop off, and since it rests over summer, move pots to shade out of the rain.

Overwintering Grape hyacinth

Overwintering guide: −10°C (14°F) or above

Cold-hardy and generally left outdoors all winter with no protection; leaves growing in winter are normal, and pots just need to be kept from drying out, as a guide.

Fertilizing and repotting Grape hyacinth

Fertilizer

Feed lightly: slow-release fertilizer at planting and dilute liquid feed about once or twice a month from after bloom until the leaves die back.

When to repot

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Common problems with Grape hyacinth

• Planted too early, the leaves grow long and flop over.
• Watered through summer, the bulbs rot.
• Undivided for years, crowded bulbs give smaller flowers.

Tips for growing Grape hyacinth

• To keep the leaves short, delay planting until mid-November or later.
• Pots can stay unlifted for two or three years; dig and divide in fall to multiply.
• Planted with tulips or pansies it blooms alongside them in spring.

More bulb care guides

• HyacinthHyacinthus orientalis
• LilyLilium
• Persian buttercupRanunculus asiaticus
• Purple shamrockOxalis triangularis
• TulipTulipa
• AmaryllisHippeastrum