How to Kill & Destroy the Bulbs of Grape Hyacinth Plants
Grape hyacinths grow cones of purple, beadlike flowers atop stalks that grow 6 to 8 inches high. Bees and butterflies love to visit these attractive plants, but their fast-spreading habit makes them a nuisance in many yards. Grape hyacinths form bulbs underground, and these bulbs quickly multiply to produce more plants. Digging up the bulbs before they multiply helps prevent the spread of grape hyacinth. If you have a widespread carpet of grape hyacinth, a vinegar spray or chemical herbicide is a faster method of treatment.
Dig up bulbs within one or two weeks after you notice sprouting. If done quickly enough, the bulbs will not have the chance to multiply.
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and spray grape hyacinth plants as they emerge. Vinegar kills most other plants it touches, so only spray it on unwanted plants.
Burn grape hyacinth plants with a propane torch if you cannot dig up the bulbs. This is a useful technique for plants growing between cracks in the pavement.
Apply a 2,4-D herbicide, combined with a wetting agent, to the plants as they appear. Reapply as needed until plants die.
- If you enjoy grape hyacinth plants, but don't want them to spread, consider growing them in a container to control their growth.
- Most herbicides kill any plant they touch, so exercise caution during application.
Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.