HOW TO GROW CROCUS
The petite purple, yellow, and white flowers of crocus covering your grounds are sure to brighten up those dull late winter days!
rocuses are one of the earliest blooming spring bulbs and a source of nectar pollen for many insects too
There are two types of crocus bulbs – autumn-flowering and spring-flowering.
Keep reading our handy guide to find out everything you need to know about successfully growing crocus, whatever kind you’re planting this year
HOW TO PLANT CROCUS
Plant spring-flowering crocus in September or October somewhere sunny, and their flowers will bloom in February or April
Plant autumn flowering crocus in late summer and you’ll get much needed blooms in your gardens from as early as September
Naturalising crocuses in grass or lawns
Neat/ Structured displays - Use a lawn edging tool or spade to cut an H-shape into the turf. Push the spade under the turf, cutting the grass roots and gently easing back a layer of turf. Fork over the soil to break it up, then spread the bulbs over the surface of the soil, keeping them evenly spread apart
Plant the crocus corms with the pointed end facing up. pushing the bulbs down firmly. Then fold back the two flaps of soil to cover the bulbs. Walk over the turf to firm it down, making sure its level with the rest of the lawn. Water the area afterwards
Random/Natural displays - Scatter handfuls of crocus bulbs randomly over the surface of the lawn. Pick up each bulb and use a planter to remove the turf and soil (about 5cm to 7.5cm deep). Drop the bulb into the hole, keeping the bulb pointing upwards. Replace the soil and turf firmly into a position over the bulb. Tread down, and water well, being careful not to over water the area.
Extra Tip:You’re aiming for a natural effect so try to not be too precise when planting. Throwing the bulbs and planting where they land is a fun way to decide where to plant them
Extra Tip: You’re aiming for a natural effect so try to not be too precise when planting. Throwing the bulbs and planting where they land is a fun way to decide where to plant them
CROCUS CARE
What to do with crocus after flowering?
Let the bulbs complete their growing cycle before cutting your grass, which is around 6-8 weeks after flowering. By leaving them to grow for this time you’ll allows the bulbs time to build up resources to bloom again next year
If your grass is growing too long and you feel you need to cut it, mow carefully around the clumps of foliage and avoid damaging the foliage
If you want crocus to set seed, you’ll have to wait for the seeds to ripen and fall before mowing the grass
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are many ways to help prevent rodents such as squirrels and mice from attacking your crocus. One way is to put up chicken wire over planted areas of the border, just under the soil. Another way is to sprinkle dried chillies over the area when the shoots appear, although this way will not stop hungry pheasants or other birds
Most crocus naturalise well in lawns. They are a good choice as they flower early and die down quickly, so you don’t have to leave the grass uncut for long. The variety Crocus tommasinianus is especially good as it flowers early and seeds prolifically
No one really knows the answer to this one! It does not seem to be for food, though it may be to get nectar from the flowers
Most crocus will grow well in containers. One thing to be aware of is that after the flowers have faded, the crocus leaves can be present for several months, which might not look the best aesthetically for your garden deco
Crocus do not like warm temperatures, so crocus houseplants are not the best option. The best way to grow crocus for the house is to grow them in a cold frame or greenhouse to start with. When the flower buds start to show colour, bring them into the house. Once in the house the crocus should open wide. Crocus chrysanthus varieties seem to like this way of planting
They may be overcrowded as they are often planted in the shade. Also, crocus generally like sunny, exposed places in the wild, so they grow and flower best in similar conditions in the garden
Crocus can adjust their height in the soil. Most crocus can be planted 5-7cm (2-3in) deep. Plant deeper if you are troubled by rodents such as squirrels and mice
As they are underground for about eight months of the year, there is not much opportunity to dig up and move crocus. The ideal time tends to be just after flowering, when they are in leaf or just starting to die down
CHOOSING YOUR CROCUS
Our favourite Crocus varieties new to Dobbies this year are:
Crocus ‘Blue Ocean’ – beautiful and vivid blue-purple flowers
Crocus ‘Ivory Princess’ - a bright white bloom with pretty cup-shaped flowers
Crocus ‘Orange Monarch’ - petite golden-orange flowers, with dark purple feathering on the outer petals
Plant in: October and November in partial shade
Flowers in: February and March