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A Guide to Growing Crocuses: From Planting to Care
Introduction
Crocuses are beautiful spring- and autumn-flowering bulbs that add a burst of color to any garden. They are easy to grow and can be naturalized in grass or grown in pots. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about growing crocuses, from planting to care.
Planting Crocuses
When to Plant:
- Plant crocus bulbs in autumn, from September to November.
- You can plant crocuses up to Christmas if the bulbs are firm and have not developed mold.
Where to Plant:
- Most crocus varieties need full sun and well-drained soil.
- Some species, such as Crocus gargaricus, can tolerate partial shade and moist soil.
How to Plant:
- Plant crocus corms with the pointed tip facing upwards.
- Plant the corms at a depth of three times their own size.
- Add plenty of grit to the soil for drainage.
Caring for Crocuses
Watering:
- Crocuses do not need much watering once established.
- Water deeply in dry weather, especially during the growing season.
Fertilizing:
- Fertilize crocuses lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Deadheading:
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent seed production.
- Allow the foliage to die back completely after flowering.
Propagating Crocuses
Crocuses will multiply once established and create their own colonies. To propagate your collection:
- Dig up large clumps of crocuses in autumn.
- Split the clumps into smaller ones.
- Clean off individual corms and pot them up.
Troubleshooting Common Crocus Problems
Pests:
- Squirrels may dig up newly planted crocus bulbs.
- Protect bulbs by netting grassy areas or covering pots with wire mesh.
Diseases:
- Crocuses are relatively disease-resistant.
- However, they can be susceptible to botrytis (gray mold) in wet weather.
Buying Crocuses
- Always buy crocus bulbs from a reputable supplier.
- Choose spring crocuses for spring flowering and autumn crocuses for autumn flowering.
- Check bulbs before planting and discard any soft or moldy ones.
Recommended Crocus Varieties
- Spring-flowering:
- Crocus ‘Violet Queen’
- Crocus x cultorum ‘Jeanne d’Arc’
- Crocus tommasinianus ‘Whitewell Purple’
- Autumn-flowering:
- Crocus sativus (saffron crocus)
- Crocus speciosus ‘Albus’
Conclusion
Crocuses are easy to grow and add a touch of beauty to any garden. By following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy these charming flowers for years to come.
