As the primary herald of spring, crocus flowers present a pop of color and pleasure simply once we assume winter will go on perpetually. The sleepy bees flock to them as spring meals, because the crocus soak within the crisp daylight. Crocuses are tremendous easy to develop and take care of, and the time to plant them is NOW!
Crocuses are beloved by many just because they’re the primary spring flower to emerge, even within the coldest of climates. They’re pure pleasure!
Crocus flowers develop from bulb-like corms, producing flowers for years on finish. They multiply on their very own, creating waves of small purple and yellow flowers all through lawns and backyard beds.
I’ve planted crocus corms many occasions, most not too long ago as a sidewalk undertaking at my earlier rental home and in my garden bulb combination at my present home. The work of planting within the fall is properly value it come springtime!
Right here’s what you’ll want to learn about crocus flowers, together with when, the place, and learn how to plant them, in addition to care and naturalizing ideas.
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Autumn vs. Spring Crocus
Everybody loves the spring crocus, as the primary flower to emerge after a chilly winter. We cherish the small blooms and know that quickly, extra flowers will start to awake.
However do you know there are additionally autumn crocus? Whereas additionally a showstopper and exquisite flower, they don’t get practically as a lot reward just because they bloom within the fall once we aren’t missing different flowers.
Whereas each spring and autumn crocus are known as crocus, they’re truly not associated! Let me introduce you to each.
Autumn Crocus
Because the identify would counsel, autumn crocus bloom in early fall versus spring. Autumn crocus refers to a wide range of hybrids within the Colchicum genus, which belongs to the lily household. The Colchicum autumnale is the commonest autumn crocus, which boasts gentle pink-purple and typically white flowers.
They’ve earned the nickname of ‘bare girls’ since they bloom with no leaves, producing 1 to 10 flower stalks per corm. The leaves develop within the spring and go dormant within the early summer time, however should be left alone to assist gasoline the corms for his or her fall bloom.
The corms ought to be planted by mid-summer to make sure a fall bloom, although they naturalize and can return yr after yr. The bizarre timing of planting these corms means they’re typically forgotten about.
Autumn crocuses are hardy to zones 5-9. The corms are poisonous to people and animals.
Saffron Crocus
One other species is the saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, which can be known as the autumn crocus by some. In fact, that is the flower that produces the extremely prized saffron spice. It’s also a fall-flowering plant.
Spring Crocus
The spring crocus is what most individuals are acquainted with, and the one that folks cherish probably the most when temperatures are nonetheless too cool for different flowers. They will bloom from January to April, relying on how harsh your winter is.
The spring crocus belongs to the iris household, with over 80 crocus species in Crocus spp. They bloom in many colors, together with purple, yellow, orange, pink, white, and even blue. Nevertheless, purple and yellow are the commonest ones I see.
In addition they develop from a corm and naturalize within the backyard. Spring crocuses are hardy from zones 3-8.
The rest of this information will concentrate on spring crocus, since that’s what most individuals are all in favour of rising. However it’s vital that you recognize there’s an autumn crocus, so that you don’t get them blended up.
Planting Spring Crocus
Since crocuses are smaller flowers, they give the impression of being greatest planted en masse. Assume 100-150 corms minimal! Bigger corms produce extra flowers, so hold this in thoughts when buying crocus corms.
Whilst you can plant crocus from seed, it may be tough and take years for the plant to provide flowers. So virtually everybody buys and vegetation the corms.
Spring crocus ought to be planted in early fall, ideally eight weeks earlier than the primary frost.
Crocuses want well-drained soil so the corm doesn’t rot. Select a location that receives full solar. Keep away from planting in shade, although they will tolerate partial shade if obligatory.
However since crocuses are early bloomers, bigger timber and shrubs haven’t leafed out but to dam daylight, making areas which are usually shaded nonetheless an excellent location choice.
Plant crocus corms with the sharp find yourself. They need to be planted 4 inches deep to the highest of the corm, roughly two inches aside. Plant them in clusters, grabbing a handful at a time.
Water after planting if there isn’t a pure moisture. Snow cowl is normally good and all you want. You need to keep away from overwatering, so that you don’t rot the corm
Professional tip: Attempt layering crocus with different bulbs, together with hyacinth, tulips, and daffodils. Since they don’t have plenty of foliage and flower early on, they’re finished by the point the opposite bulbs are prepared. Plant the corms in keeping with the depth specified on the packaging, with the crocus on prime.
Caring for Crocus Flowers
Crocus want little or no care as soon as they’ve been planted. Ideally, you simply want to go away them alone!
Crocus require 12-15 weeks of chilly temperatures, so they should develop in chilly locations.
Don’t minimize the flowers for six weeks after the flowering interval. Ideally, the foliage ought to be absolutely yellow earlier than you take away it, because the foliage will cost the corm for subsequent yr.
As soon as minimize, go away the corms alone. They like dry soil in the summertime. They might want water if it’s been a really dry winter and there’s no snow cowl, however they’re normally okay with none supplemental watering.
Fertilizer is normally not obligatory. I add layers of compost and leaf mulch to all my backyard beds, and that’s all my perennial vegetation usually want.
Crocus flowers will solely open when there’s solar. They may shut at evening and in wet climate.
Naturalizing Crocus in Lawns
Crocus flowers are top-of-the-line “bulbs” to make use of for naturalizing, particularly in lawns. This implies they’ll naturally propagate and unfold themselves. Because the plant will get older, it should produce offshoots round the principle corm. Child corms will develop in clusters round the principle corm.
If going for a naturalized garden look, you’ll need to scatter them by grabbing handfuls and planting them the place they fall. To essentially get a tremendous show within the spring, you’ll need 125-150 corms for each sq. meter.
After 3-5 years, flowering might lower. This implies your crocuses have crowded themselves out. Chances are you’ll want to softly dig them up with a spade and separate the newborn corms from the principle corm. Transfer the newborn corms, spreading them out. Divide crocus proper after they’ve completed flowering, so you recognize the place the corms are.
FAQ About Crocus Flowers
Small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, mice, and gophers wish to munch on crocus corms, particularly after planting. They’re drawn to the freshly dug soil, so including some mulch or leaves on prime can assist to cover it. You may as well defend newly planted corms by masking them with {hardware} fabric (works higher than hen wire).
My philosophy? Squirrels are going to eat a number of the corms, and that’s okay. I plant understanding that not all of them are going to make it.
Spring crocus bloom in late winter and early spring, anyplace from January to April, relying on how harsh your winter is. Autumnal crocus flowers in early fall, together with the saffron crocus.
Spring-blooming crocus ought to be planted in early fall, ideally 8 weeks earlier than the primary frost. For autumn crocus, you need to plant them by mid-summer for fall blooms.
