Facts of Grape Hyacinth
| Name | Grape Hyacinth |
| Scientific Name | Muscari neglectum |
| Native | It is inherent to Southwestern Asia and ... |
| Common/English Name | Blue Bottle, Common Grape Hyacinth, Cipo ... |
| Name in Other Languages | Finnish: Terttuhelmililja; French: Musca ... |
Are blue grape hyacinths edible?
Grape hyacinth (Muscari Armeniacum) is a perennial plant that produces brilliant blue buds. They’re not to be confused with hyacinths, however, which are not edible. Grape hyacinth is simply the common name for Muscari Amerniacum, and they’re actually a part of the Lily family.
What is a grape hyacinth?
The most traditional grape hyacinth is the Muscari aucheri ‘Blue Magic,’ which of course has striking grape-blue flowers. These bulbous perennials have been used for thousands of years in gardens and in culinary dishes. Grape hyacinth belongs to the Muscari genus, which is part of the asparagus ( Asparagaceae) family.
Are grape hyacinths poisonous to humans?
While regular hyacinths are toxic, grape hyacinths are completely safe, and easy to identify. The buds are unique, and you’ll be able to tell right away. Grape hyacinth is native to Southeastern Europe, and blooms all over North America. They’re extremely hardy in zones 3-9.
Do bees like grape hyacinths?
Bees are mad about the little blue flowers. Use this to your benefit by planting them near early blooming fruit trees that need pollination. Grape hyacinth bulbs work well in rock gardens. They don’t mind high altitudes, a full day of harsh sun, or dry conditions.
What happens if you eat grape hyacinth?
Symptoms of eating hyacinth plant or bulb include vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea and stomach cramps. The plant can also cause contact dermatitis, so be sure to wear gloves when working with this plant. Some people also experience irritation in the nose and asthma.
Are hyacinths poisonous to humans?
Hyacinth. Many spring bulbs, including hyacinths and daffodils, are toxic if eaten by humans or pets. Hyacinth bulbs can be mistaken for shallots or onions and, if eaten, can cause intense stomach problems, high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.Jul 16, 2018
What can I use grape hyacinth for?
Then strain the flowers from the water. The resulting water is a deep purple/dark blue and just gorgeous. Mix the extract with equal parts of sugar and warm over a stove top to create a grape hyacinth simple syrup. This could be added to teas or sherbets or added to iced tea instead of lemonade.Mar 31, 2017
How do you harvest grape hyacinths?
The seed or fruit capsules open up revealing three swollen seed chambers -- called locules -- where the seeds are growing. It does this once the seeds inside are mature and ready to harvest. Cut the stems off with a pair of clippers. To prevent grape hyacinths from self-sowing, you must remove all the spent blooms.
Can you eat a hyacinth?
Young leaves, flowers, and tender, immature pods are edible raw or cooked. The ripe seeds are eaten cooked, either boiled or roasted. In Asia, they are made into noodles. The Hyacinth Bean is cultivated as a vegetable throughout the tropics.
Can you eat hyacinth flowers?
The tender leaves and flowers, after careful washing, may be eaten raw in a salad with just a simple oil and vinegar dressing, or as a wilted salad dressed with a hot mixture of sauteed bacon, vinegar and a bit of sugar. Leaves also may be steamed as greens, or added to soups and stews.Sep 18, 1985
What is the difference between hyacinth and grape hyacinth?
About Hyacinths and Grape Hyacinths The hyacinth's loose-to-dense racemes (clusters) of strongly fragrant flowers may be closely-packed single or double flowers. Grape hyacinths (Muscari) are not directly related to true hyacinths, but also bloom in mid-spring and have the same care requirements.
Are grape hyacinth leaves poisonous?
Usually found in sandy soils, the Grape Hyacinth is heavily cultivated as a garden plant and like the Wild Hyacinth is poisonous. The leaves are narrow and thick, 15–30cm (6–12in) long.
Is grape hyacinth a wildflower?
ARMENIAN GRAPE HYACINTH: (Muscari armeniacum). This perennial is one of the more common members of the genus Muscari that are generally known as Grape Hyacinths. It is a member of the Asparagaceae Family. It is widespread as a wildflower throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, from Greece and Turkey to Armenia.
Can you transplant grape hyacinth?
When to Transplant Grape Hyacinths Botanically known as Muscari armeniacum, moving grape hyacinth bulbs is best done in late summer. You can also begin transplanting grape hyacinth bulbs in autumn when you're moving, transplanting, and planting other spring blooming bulbs.Nov 17, 2020
Will grape hyacinth spread?
Grape hyacinths can spread by seed as well as underground, via bulb offsets. Deadhead spent blooms to stop seeds developing, and keep an eye on established clumps – if they look like they're spreading too well, dig them up and replant the bulbs in a pot.Jul 17, 2021
Can you eat saponins?
However, it is not advisable to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.
Is a bulb poisonous?
The bulb is poisonous . It contains a substance called comisic acid, which is said to act like saponin. Although poisonous, saponins are poorly absorbed by the human body and so most pass through without harm. Saponins are quite bitter and can be found in many common foods such as some beans. They can be removed by carefully leaching the seed or flour in running water. Thorough cooking, and perhaps changing the cooking water once, will also normally remove most of them. However, it is not advisable to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.
Plant History and Cultivation
These bulbous perennials have been used for thousands of years in gardens and in culinary dishes.
Propagation
Part of Grape Hyacinth’s allure is their self-seeding nature and ability to naturalize easily. While this is great, many gardeners opt to propagate their plants to quickly increase their stock. Propagation is also a great way to share your favorite plants with friends and family at no cost.
How to Grow
Grape hyacinths are prized for their beautiful, striking blooms. However, they’re a lot more than just pretty flowers.
Varieties and Cultivars
Depending on your variety, your blooms could be different shades of blue, purple, or pink. Some even sport bright yellow and white flowers.
Pests and Diseases
Natural predators, like ladybugs, can keep pests like aphids or spider mites at bay.
Plant Uses
Grape hyacinths are generally cultivated for garden use, looking fantastic in a large range of landscape designs. Their pretty blooms create a spectacular carpet of color when planted en masse or mixed with other spring bulbs like tulips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, grape hyacinth is an invasive plant as it naturalizes and spreads rapidly. However, their spread can be contained through deadheading and other post-bloom maintenance.
What color is a grape hyacinth?
Many varieties of grape hyacinths display that rare crystal blue color so many gardeners covet, but they have none of the fussiness that some other blue flowers possess. Other colors are also available; the white, pink, and yellow varieties of grape hyacinth provide a welcome contrast when planted with the blue types.
When do grape hyacinths bloom?
Best planted in fall, grape hyacinths will grow slowly, emerging and blooming the following April or May, and lasting for about three weeks.
How long does it take for grape hyacinth to bloom?
The bulbs will need about 10 weeks of chilling (at temperatures at least as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit) to prepare them for blooming, so the refrigerator is a perfect place to store your grape hyacinth. Time the beginning of the chill period for about 22 to 24 weeks before you want the bulbs to bloom.
How far apart should I plant grape hyacinth bulbs?
One of the appealing traits of this bulb is the ease with which you can plant it. Space the bulbs approximately 3 inches apart and 3 inches deep.
Why are grape hyacinths called muscari?
Back to Top. Grape hyacinths (also known as muscari) are small spring-blooming bulbs, so named because of their tight little flower clusters that resemble grapes. Although the Muscari genus was previously categorized in the Liliaceae family (which also contains true hyacinths), it is now considered to be part ...
What type of soil should I use for grape hyacinth?
Soil. For the best results, plant grape hyacinth in any well-drained soil around your property. Grape hyacinths are most fond of somewhat sandy soil, but they do well in pretty much all but the soggiest blends. Additionally, grape hyacinth is not at all picky about soil's pH level.
How much bone meal should I use for grape hyacinth?
No fertilizer is necessary for healthy grape hyacinth, but they may benefit from sprinkling 1/4 cup of bone meal (per 100 square feet of soil) once each year in the fall.
How to Identify Grape Hyacinth
There were several reasons I was able to confidently identify that it was indeed grape hyacinth growing on our property. These are things you should take into consideration as well when trying to make sure that you’re working with an edible flower instead of a toxic one.
Harvesting Grape Hyacinth
Remember to take into consideration the area in which you are foraging or harvesting, as well as any local laws and regulations regarding the picking of flowers and plants. Don’t forget that pesticides may be on the plants if you find them somewhere off of your property.
Using Grape Hyacinth
You’ve harvested your wild (or planted) grape hyacinth. Now what? Here are some ideas:
What is the scientific name for grape hyacinth?
The scientific name for grape hyacinth has changed a bit over time, but its most common scientific name is Muscari Armeniacum. They have nearly four dozen different names! The grape hyacinth’s common name came about for obvious reasons.
Can you eat grape hyacinth?
Yes, you can eat grape hyacinth. The blossoms and buds are the most commonly harvested part of this wildflower, but the entire plant is edible. However, they do contain saponins, which is simply a defense mechanism produced by the plant to deter pests from eating them.
Is grape hyacinth poisonous?
No, grape hyacinths are not poisonous. If you’ve ever looked into whether or not you can eat these pretty little flowers, you may have been confused, because hyacinths ARE toxic to people and pets. However, grape hyacinths are NOT hyacinths at all, they’re actually part of the Lily family!
Is grape hyacinth invasive?
Yes, grape hyacinths are considered invasive, and many people search for ways to get rid of them, as they move into their garden beds and take over precious crop space. I’ve found a few in my garden beds as well, but it hasn’t gotten out of hand yet.
