Crocus bulbs
Crocus bulbs with their wonderful flowers are made up varieties that flower in spring, however a few Crocus species will also flower in autumn.
A remarkably hardy genus mostly are drought tolerant and require little care once established.
With flowers that vary in color varies from pure white through to purples these pretty little plants actually grow from corms rather than bulbs.
And if you live in small garden you can always grow these tiny treasures in a container ( see image left)
Where to Grow Crocus
Crocus can be grown in all but the tropical and dry arid areas, they do grow well in the temperate or Mediterranean type climates.
In the garden these bulbs can be planted in the rock garden, in clumps in the border, naturalized into lawns or grown in containers.
As the spring flowering species flower early, they are great for planting beneath deciduous trees where they will flower before the tree puts on new foliage.
The spring flowering species require a cold winter dormancy, while those that flower in autumn require a warm summer dormancy.
How to Plant Crocus Bulbs (Corms)
Crocus are easy to grow, reliable performers that reward gardeners with bright colour in late winter and early spring. Follow these simple steps for best results.
Soil Preparation
Crocus prefer humus-rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, prepare the soil thoroughly by digging in aged compost and well-rotted animal manure (cow or sheep manure is ideal).
If your soil is heavy or clay-based, improve drainage by adding coarse sand or grit.
Crocus grow best in neutral to slightly alkaline soil. If your soil is acidic (below pH 6.5), lightly apply garden lime, wood ash, or crushed eggshells to raise the pH and supply calcium.
Position
Choose a sunny to lightly shaded position. Full sun to part shade is ideal, particularly where plants receive morning sun. Avoid deep shade and very hot afternoon sun.
Planting Depth & Spacing
Plant crocus corms 7–10 cm deep (approximately three times the height of the corm) and 5–10 cm apart.
Always plant with the pointed end facing upwards and the flat base down. Planting too shallow can expose corms to pests, while planting too deep may delay flowering.
Watering & Fertiliser
Water well after planting, ideally using a liquid seaweed fertiliser to help reduce transplant stress and encourage strong root development.
Normal winter and spring rainfall is usually sufficient, but water weekly during dry periods.
Group Planting & Naturalising
Crocus look best when planted in clusters rather than singly. In garden beds or containers, plant in groups of 8–12 corms or more for maximum impact.
For naturalising in lawns, plant corms in small groups of 3–5 or in larger drifts for a stunning display. Use a bulb planter to make holes 8–10 cm deep, and add a little compost to each hole if desired.
Avoid mowing until the foliage has completely died back, as this allows the corms to store energy for next season. In lawns, it can be helpful to plant in clumps and mow around them.
Ongoing Care
Other than waiting for the foliage to die back before dividing and an annual top dressing of compost with a little blood and bone in winter crocus require little care at all.
Container grown crocus will need to repotted every 2-3 years as they multiply, fill the pot and exhaust the potting mix.
Garden grown Crocus should also be lifted and divided every 3 years to improve flowering, renew soil with leaf mould, and create space for more bulbs to develop.
Crocus Varieties
With around 90 species Cocus vary in colour, size and flowering time. Bulbs are available for sale online from participating nurseries at various times depending on the species,
- Autumn flowering crocus species including goulimyi, sativus, kotschyanus, medius, pulchellus, ochroleucus, pulchellus, serotinus salzmannii, and speciosus are generally on sale from winter to spring
- The spring flowering species include : Crocus abantensis, ancyrensis, candidus, chrysanthus, corsicus, dalmaticus, danfordiae, flavus, imperaati, leichtlinii, olivieri, sieberi, tommasinianus and vernus on sale from summer to autumn. Look for Crocus Pickwick
For easy flowering crocus for the garden try C. goulmyi, with deep lilac blue large flowers or C. longiflorus with its large scented flowers.
Flower color varies from pure white through to purples. Bulbs are available for sale online from participating nurseries Nurseries at various times depending on the species
You May Also Like
- Crocus Bulbs For Sale
- Crocus Vernus
- Crocus Pickwick
- Crocus Sativus
- Crocus tommasinianus
- Crocus angustifolius ‘Cloth of Gold’
Where To Buy Crocus
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au
365 Lighthouse Rd Wynyard. TAS 7325
PH 03 6442 2012
email to: sales@vdqbulbs.com.au
www.vdqbulbs.com.au
2 Jacksons Hill Rd, Menzies Creek VIC 3159
Hundreds of different varieties of daffodils as well as other beautiful spring & autumn flowering bulbs for home gardeners. Free colour catalogues available. Tulips, Daffodils,Alliums, Freesias, Iris and many other bulbs.
www.daffodilbulbs.com.au