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Crocuses begin to bloom anywhere from late winter to early spring, often unexpectedly. Raimund Linke/Getty ImagesCrocuses are joyful symbols of spring. These small perennials are often the first to emerge from the earth each year, sometimes even poking through the snow, protected by a waxy cuticle on their petals and leaves. Their vivid colors — purples, yellows, oranges, and blues — offer a refreshing contrast to the dull shades of winter.
Spring-blooming crocuses, the most common type, come in two main varieties: the early-blooming snow or wild crocus and the larger-flowered Dutch crocus, which blooms later. Additionally, some crocus species flower in autumn and winter. Interested in adding crocuses to your garden? Here are some tips for growing these beautiful and popular flowers.
How to Plant Crocus Bulbs
The best time to plant spring crocuses is in the fall. Aim to plant them a few weeks before the first hard freeze, which typically occurs between September and October in northern regions and October and November in southern areas. While the exact soil type is less important, ensure you plant crocuses in well-drained soil, such as sandy or gritty soils, or in rock gardens.
"Crocuses will rot in compact or soggy soil," says Jen Stark, a master gardener and the founder of Happy DIY Home, a blog focused on gardening and home improvement.
Crocuses are easy to propagate, making them perfect for gardeners who struggle with their plants. Additionally, environmentally conscious gardeners will appreciate that crocuses are a vital food source for bees, who are drawn to their rich, golden pollen.
Crocuses thrive in partial to full sunlight, and ideal spots for planting include perennial beds, rock gardens, or areas under deciduous trees. These flowers will bloom and die off before the trees and shrubs start to leaf out. Some gardeners prefer planting bulbs directly in their lawns. For this method, plant crocuses in clusters or drifts, mimicking their natural growth pattern. Avoid planting crocuses on the north side of buildings or in heavy shade.
Plant each crocus corm (the bulb-like stem of the plant) 3 to 4 inches (7 to 10 centimeters) deep and spaced about 3 inches apart, with the pointed end facing upward. Arrange them in small clusters — about nine or ten per square foot — or in larger, natural-looking drifts. Cover them with soil and water thoroughly.
If you're concerned about pests like mice, voles, squirrels, or chipmunks eating your crocus corms, try sprinkling crushed seashells, oyster shells, or eggshells around the planting holes. Other pest deterrents include laying down screening material over the area or spraying a scent-based repellent.
How to Care for Your Crocuses
Throughout the growing season, ensure your crocuses receive about half an inch to one inch (1-3 centimeters) of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. Avoid watering them during the summer or while they are dormant, as this could lead to rotting. Beyond that, they don’t require any pruning or special attention.
Crocuses can begin blooming anytime from late winter to early spring, often without warning — one day there's no growth, and the next, the crocuses are in full bloom! Each bulb will produce multiple flowers. However, don't mow your lawn until after the flowers have faded and the leaves start to yellow and wither. This indicates that the plant has finished storing energy for the next spring's growth cycle.
Crocuses are adaptable and can grow in most climates, except the hottest ones. They’re not overly fussy about the type of soil either. It’s no surprise that the 80 species of crocuses are found all around the world, in settings ranging from meadows and forests to mountain tops. These flowers are particularly common in Africa, central Asia, China, southern Europe, and the Middle East.
As you prepare for the next growing season, Stark suggests fertilizing your crocuses to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Apply fertilizer in early autumn if you have a short spring, or late winter if your spring is longer. In regions with snowy winters, cover your crocus beds with a few inches of mulch. "Remove the mulch by late February," she advises, "but keep extra coverings available in February and March in case the weather turns harsh again."
Over time, your crocuses may spread and become overcrowded. If this happens, wait until after they’ve finished blooming, then dig them up and divide them into smaller clusters. You can replant them in new spots or share them with friends to spread the beauty.
How to Grow Crocus Flowers Indoors
You can enjoy crocus flowers throughout winter by forcing them to bloom indoors. To do this, pot the bulbs about 1 inch (3 centimeters) deep in mid-October and water them well. Then, place the pots in a dark, cool spot for two to three months, keeping the temperature between 38 and 45°F (3.3 to 7.2°C). During this period, water them sparingly. After the chilling period, bring them into a warmer space, and they should bloom within a month. Note that forced crocuses cannot be transplanted outdoors.
Saffron, known as the most expensive spice in the world, is derived from the crocus, specifically the fall-blooming variety C. sativus. This species produces three red stigmas that are dried and processed into saffron. Iran is responsible for producing approximately 90 percent of the crocuses used for saffron production.
