In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Muscari plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
Muscari are grown from bulbs and reach a height of between 10 and 20 cm.
This small size makes them ideal for use in rock gardens, or for growing below taller plants such as shrubs.
The minute spherical Muscari flowers of white, blue, or purple that are clustered atop a leafless stem; these bloom in the spring.
Common names for Muscari include Grape Hyacinth and Tassel Hyacinth.
See this page of the site if you are interested in growing the Common Hyacinth, which is a member of the Hyacanthus genus.
Muscari photograph by Jess Beemouse.
Muscari armeniacum (Grape hyacinth) picture by TANAKA Juuyoh.
It is best to grow Grape hyacinth from bulbs in the autumn, these should be burried about 8cm deep and spaced about 5 to 6 cm apart.
Grape Hyacinth and other Muscari are able to grow in both sunny and partially shaded areas; the soil should be well drained and slightly acidic to neutral (ph 6 to 7).
If you plan to grow Grape Hyacinth plants from seeds then sow them into flats. Lightly cover the seed, then sink the flat into a shady part of the garden; cover with glass. It can take from six to nine weeks to germinate. Once seedlings have emerged remove the glass cover, and allow to grow for a further year. The bulb can then be transplanted in the autumn.
It is fairly easy to look after Grape Hyacinth and other Muscari plants, they should be watered in dry periods, and mulched with manure every autumn.
It is best to divide the plants every four years to maintain vigorous growth. If you require more Muscari then they can be propagated by dividing the bulblets in the summer time.
The Muscari genus contains approximately 40 species, often referred to as Grape Hyacinths.
Yes, Muscari are ideal for rock gardens, borders, or naturalizing in grass. Their clusters of bell-shaped flowers add early spring color.
Muscari armeniacum (Armenian Grape Hyacinth) and Muscari botryoides (Common Grape Hyacinth) are the most popular choices for their abundant, cobalt-blue flowers.
Yes, Muscari plants have a sweet, light fragrance, which makes them a pleasant addition to gardens and cut flower arrangements.
Muscari prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. It's very hardy and can grow in a wide range of conditions.
Some Muscari species, like Muscari botryoides, can naturalize and spread aggressively, but they're not listed as invasive in the USA.
If you need to remove Muscari, wait until the foliage has yellowed, then dig up the bulbs. Be sure to get all the tiny bulbs to prevent regrowth.
Muscari, or Grape Hyacinths, are a genus in the Asparagaceae family. These perennial bulbs are celebrated for their clusters of bell-shaped, cobalt-blue flowers that resemble tiny grapes, appearing in early to mid-spring.
Plant Muscari bulbs in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil in the fall. Water moderately during the growing season. They naturalize easily, creating a beautiful carpet of color in the garden when in bloom.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Muscari plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Veltheimia and Yucca aloifolia plants.