Growing grape hyacinths on water is a simple and rewarding spring project that can bring a touch of natural beauty to your home. Watch these delicate flowers grow and bloom right before your eyes with this easy technique.
Let me share my latest obsession: growing grape hyacinths indoors on water.
I’ve always loved the delicate beauty of these little flowers, and I have bought a pot of grape hyacinths every year to start my spring decorating.
I never knew though that they could be grown indoors without soil. It wasn’t until a friend showed me her own stunning display of grape hyacinths growing in glass jars that I realized I had to try it for myself.
Related Reading: How to Force Hyacinth Bulbs Inside
And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. Growing little hyacinths on water is so simple and makes the flowers extra easy to care for. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about watching the roots grow and the flowers bloom right before your eyes.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and easy way to bring a little bit of spring indoors, I highly recommend giving grape hyacinths on water a try.
Let me show you how it is done.
How to Grow Grape Hyacinths Indoors
<strong>Tips for Growing Grape Hyacinths On Water Indoors</strong>
Total Time: 30 minutes
Buy the Bulbs
Typically you buy grape hyacinths in little pots. These have already been forced to start blooming at the end of winter. Those little pots of hyacinths work perfectly for this flower-growing technique.
Separate the Bulbs
Take the bulbs out of the pot and separate them carefully. They might be stuck together so take your time freeing them from each other and from the soil
Remove the Soil
Brush away all the soil that is clinging to the bulbs. Rinse the bulbs under a soft water stream.
Cut the Roots
Cut the roots short. Leave about half an inch of root on the bulb and remove the rest. Rinse well between the roots too. Any soil that is left will dirty the water
Add a Later of Water to the Glass Jars
Put the bulbs in glass jars and add a bottom of water. Add just enough water that the roots are fully immersed but the bulbs are mostly dry
Today’s feature is these tiny grape hyacinths that I gave the ‘minimal decorating’ treatment. Basically, this is just glass jars + water + bulbs. Doesn’t get any easier than that.
To make sure the water stays clear I washed the bulbs free from dirt and cut back some of the roots. Technically the flowers would be fine without water too, cause they have all they need to grow stashed up in that bulb. But I want these to stay strong and healthy and fill up with new energy cause they will get a second life in my garden.
What To Do With Muscari Bulbs In Pots After Flowering
After your grape hyacinths (muscari bulbs) are done flowering you can transplant them into the garden. But you have to prepare them for the transition and choose the right time.
I have had great success by putting the pots in a frost free area in my garage until they were ready to be planted outside.
You will have to let the green leaves die naturally and whither away. The bulb takes its energy for next year’s growing season from those leaves. So make sure the bulbs don’t dry out but otherwise leave them to do their thing.
You can plant the bulbs outside when there is no more frost in the night, and the green leaves have withered away.
Plant the bulbs extra deep (leaf side up) so they don’t dry out in the summer.
Wait to see your grape hyacinths show their perky heads next spring.
I think I went a bit overboard. That is one big collection of glass jars and bulbs. But one just wasn’t going to cut it. I needed more, lots more to fulfill my hunger for Spring (just like chocolate, one is never enough….).
Yeah my little grape hyacinths indoor decoration is working pretty good at tying me over until I can go snip snip in my garden again.
But I can’t wait for those days when I can get bunches and bunches of flowers straight from my own backyard.
Patience, my dear, patience……
The flowers are doing great btw they love the light, the water, and the warmth of my living room. They were so tiny when I put them inside and within days they had become lanky and tall. Like seeing a toddler grow into a teenager overnight.Â
I am stretching the days that they will look good like this and then I will let them get rest and grow strong and replant them in my garden. And I will probably get more flowers to bring inside. Because I am itching for spring…..
Marianne Songbird is the founder of Songbird, where she hopes to inspire everyone to create a home they love, one DIY project at a time. She shares anything from craft ideas to home decor inspiration and from DIY projects to decorating hacks. Originally from the Netherlands Marianne and her husband Lex are currently renovating a 250-year-old farmhouse in Germany.
Katherines Corner says
lovely. Mine are poking out through the frozen ground. I love this idea. I invite you to share at my hop today Hugs!
Lorrie says
So pretty. Jars are the most useful things.
Gwen says
In my area, all fall and winter the green looks like John Lennons haircut. Floppy. Then one of the early bloomers is the grape hyacinth. They multiply too!! But I had someone help. I’m not sure when and all of mine are gone. Ahhh. I long for a few back. Next fall. I will have to plant. Oh so pretty as you displayed! I’d never have thought to take the entire plant inside but why not? You always give me new ideas. I’m the prim and proper. You say, just do, ask permission after!!!
Renee @ CreativeMamaMessyHouse says
I also started some bulbs indoors. I’m hoping to make them a hostess gift for my grandmother at Easter. I have one tulip poking out of the earth outside, we will see what happens!