Grape hyacinth ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips

Plant grape hyacinth properly

As a typical onion flower, the Grape hyacinth be planted in the warmed autumn soil. Therefore, prepare the humus, fresh and moist soil in a finely crumbly manner between August and October in the sun-drenched location. Soil that is too loamy can be optimized in no time with a little sand. How to proceed:

Dig small pits at a distance of 8-10 cm, the depth of which is three times the height of the onion
Insert up to 3 onions into each planting hole, fill with soil and press down
Pour on with a fine shower so that the substrate is not washed away immediately

Care tips

The pearl hyacinth reveals its diverse talents when it is given the following care program:

Water the bed and pot regularly without causing waterlogging
Organic start fertilization with compost in the bed
Liquid in the planter fertilize according to dosage instructions
Only cut off withered flower stems if self-sowing is not desired
Only remove foliage when it is completely absorbed

Apart from the year of planting, no explicit winter protection is required. In the planter, the pearl hyacinth moves to frost-free winter quarters, as the onion could freeze through in the open air.
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Which location is suitable?

The pearl hyacinth feels in good hands in a sunny to partially shaded location. In combination with a loose, humus-rich soil, fresh and moist and preferably slightly sandy, the spring flower cheerfully embarks on the desired naturalization. Grape hyacinths are particularly impressive in an open space with the character of a wild shrub or along the sun-drenched edge of the wood.

The correct planting distance

With the pearl hyacinth you can create floral ribbons along the way, as Border or grave border. Arranged in small tuffs, the spring flowers set magical accents in sky blue. In order to arrange these creative flower images harmoniously, we recommend a plant spacing of 8 to 10 cm.

What soil does the plant need?

In good garden soil, the pearl hyacinth makes its spring-fresh guest performance every year. Ideally, the soil is humus, loose and fresh and moist. A slightly sandy part is advantageous so that the delicate roots can quickly establish themselves. Grape hyacinths thrive more commonly in balcony boxes and buckets Potting soil, enriched with sand for first-class permeability.

What is the best time to plant?

So that the pearl hyacinth is on time in the spring bed, put the bulbs in the ground in autumn. The best planting time extends from August to October and ends with the first frost.

When is the flowering time?

If the weather is normal, the pearl hyacinth delights us from March to May with its enchanting flower spikes. If the winter raged for a long time with frost and snow, the flowers do not dare to take cover until April and flourish well into June.
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Cut grape hyacinth properly

With the help of the targeted pruning at the right time, you can direct both the seeding and the vitality of grape hyacinths in the bed and on the balcony. If the desired host of blue heralds of spring are already cavorting in the garden, cut off the withered flowers immediately. In this way you prevent seed formation and the pearl hyacinth saves energy. In contrast, leave the leaves on the plant until they are completely absorbed.

Pour grape hyacinth

If the natural rainfall does not cover the water requirement, the pearl hyacinth is poured in the bed. Cultivated in a pot or Flower box,(€ 35.85 at Amazon *) the flowers dry out faster. Check the moisture content of the substrate here every 2-3 days. If the surface feels dry, the plants are given a sip of water.

Fertilize grape hyacinth properly

An annual fertilization with compost and Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) thanks the pearl hyacinth with lush flowering and vital growth. Only scatter the organic fertilizer, because even superficial working in with the rake causes too much unrest and could damage the sensitive roots. For this reason, we recommend using a liquid fertilizer for grape hyacinths in pots.

Overwinter

The pearl hyacinth is sufficiently hardy for our regions. As a result, no special precautions need to be taken in the bed. Flowers in the planter should preferably be placed in frost-free winter quarters. Since the onions have completely absorbed their aboveground plant parts, they can be overwintered dry.

Propagate grape hyacinth

The pearl hyacinth organizes its expansion in the garden on its own by means of seeding and bulbs. If you, as a gardener, would like to set the course for propagation, simply use the daughter bulbs available. This is how you do it:

Lift well-established plants out of the ground in late summer or fall
Cut off the indented leaves and shake off the earth
Cut off the easily recognizable bulbs with a sharp, disinfected knife

At the new location, put the daughter onions in loose soil and water a little. The mother onion, rejuvenated in this way, takes its previous place again.

Is grape hyacinth poisonous?

Grape hyacinths pose a health risk to children when they curiously put the parts of the plant into their mouths. In the family garden, the pearl hyacinth should therefore be out of the reach of your little pioneers. For pets, especially cats, the grape hyacinth proves to be life-threatening due to the highly toxic saponins.
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Pearl hyacinth has faded. What now?

Once the charming pearl hyacinth has finished its spring-like spectacle, horticultural decisions must be made regarding further activities. If seeding is desired, the sight of the withered flowers should be tolerated until the seed heads are mature and scattered. Only then do you cut off the stems. The foliage lingers on the plant until it is completely withered. The bulbs themselves remain in the ground because they are completely hardy.

Nice varieties

Superstar: Small pearl hyacinth, whose white-ringed, cornflower-blue ears shimmer with darker nuances; Growth height 15-20 cm
Album: Magnificent variety with pure white flower bells in old-growth grapes from March; Growth height 20-30 cm
Peppermint: The light blue flowers change subtly, as if they were frozen; Growth height 20 cm
Weinbergs grape hyacinth: Night blue flowers from April to May for sunny locations; Growth height 20-25 cm
Shaggy grape hyacinth: Extravagant variety with upright, sterile petals, like a mop of hair; Height of growth 25 cm