This Grape Hyacinth is a classical weed of vineyards in Central Europe. It is native to the mediterranean region, but it was brought north almost 2000 years ago when wine growing was introduced. As long as the vineyards were run in the traditional way they offered excellent conditions to the Grape Hyacinth. Modern methods of vineyard cultivation however are its doom. So it became quite rare in Central Europe and is close to extinction there. It looks very much like the Armenian Grape Hyacinth, which was introduced to Europe in the 20th century.

Cultivation of the Grape Hyacinth is easy. It prefers sunny and bit dry soils. If the soil is regularily worked all the better - that way the bulbletts are spread and can grow to new plants. In our garden the Grape Hyacinth conquered the edges of the vegetable patch. There it is in bloom from late March on, being one of the first signs of spring.