How do I get rid of the extensive crop of Grape Hyacinths which have now flourished throughout my garden? I have tried digging the bulbs out and the entire flower, but next year there always seems to be more and I am worried about our Bluebell crop suffering.
I am afraid that they can only be eradicated by digging up the plants or using a broad spectrum herbicide, which would kill everything in the area. You can minimize their spread (so you don't feel you are fighting a losing battle) by removing the foliage and any seed pods. This will keep seeds from being spread and weaken the bulbs so they cant produce bulblets.
How can you control or get rid of grape hyacinths that have invaded where you don't want them? We have tried to dig them but they keep coming back.
Really, the only way is to be diligent about digging them up. Remove any flowers that the remaining ones produce to keep seeds from spreading and when you dig them up, make sure you have gotten all of the bulblets that were attached to the mother bulb. You can spot treat with Round-Up or boiling water but be aware that both herbicides will kill any plant material it touches, such as surrounding grass or plants that it splashes on.
Can I move grape hyacinths? Must I do something special? When should/could I move them? Should/could the bulbs be divided? What will stop them from spreading? Thank you very much.
Yes, you can divide and transplant them just about any time, depending on your location. Grape hyacinths are quite hardy and take transplanting well as long as you provide the proper growing conditions and care. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/grape-hyacinth/planting-and-care-of-grape-hyacinths.htm You can minimize their spread by removing the foliage and any seed pods. This will keep seeds from being spread and weaken the bulbs so they cant produce bulblets.
Can I pick the seeds from the stems of my grape hyacinths just before they fall naturally in order to plant them? What would this process be?
It is very easy. Just spread the seeds out over the area that you would like for them to grow. Keep the area moist and clear of debris. It may take a few years before they get to blooming maturity, though. Just so you are aware.
Can we grow Grape Hyacinths from the seeds that we collected?!
Zone 3a Cobalt Ontario P0J 1C0
Yes, they should be fine under pines. Look for varieties that are hardy in your area. This article has information on growing hyacinth: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/grape-hyacinth/planting-and-care-of-grape-hyacinths.htm
I planted grape hyacinth bulbs 4 weeks ago. They have begun to break through the soil. We are expecting our first hard freeze this week. Will they come up again next spring?
It is not unusual for these plants to sprout now, as they tend to enjoy cooler weather. Of course, they will die down once it freezes but will return in spring.