Monday, June 28, 2010

How to Grow Crocus


I grow crocus in my rock garden mixed with early blooming daffodils. I also grow them in my upper garden next to the river rock wall. I planted yellow and white crocus in this section mixed with Vinca Minor ground cover.

crocus in the snow Poster print

Creative Commons





The crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring. The foliage resembles green blades of grass. Look for signs of crocus in February, as this plant will grow even if there is snow on the ground. 

When the snow melts, you will view the green foliage or flowers. Crocus comes in an assortment of colors; yellow, purple, orange, red, pink, and white. Grow spring blooming crocus along your walkway, scattered in a rock garden, in containers, on a sunny slope, or plant an informal naturalized garden on your lawn. The crocus flower will add color and interest to your landscape..

Crocus Flower Print print
For big beautiful blooms, I would suggest that you purchase high-quality Dutch bulbs.  In my experience, I find these bulbs are large and the flowers are healthy.  Determine if the bulb is healthy by holding it in your hand.  Note if the bulb is firm to the touch then this is an indication that the bulb is healthy. 

Crocus bulbs are easy to grow provided the garden site has full sun to part shade with well-drained soil that has a sandy loam.  Choose your garden site wisely as it is not advisable to cut back the crocus plants that grow in your lawn until the leaves die back naturally.  Thus if tall grass in late spring bothers you then refrain from planting crocus in your lawn and plant in gardens instead.

Plant the crocus bulbs by digging holes to a depth of five inches and one and a half inches wide.  Loosen the soil by removing the clumps.  Amend the soil with compost.  Fertilize the crocus by adding bone meal and blend with the soil at the bottom of the hole. 

Space holes for crocus four inches apart. Place the crocus bulb, and root end down in the center of the hole. Fill the hole with soil and water well.

Care for your crocuses by watering them daily until there is a hard frost. In spring if there are no spring showers and your ground is dry, water the crocuses. Fertilize crocuses in spring when the plants start to emerge.  Deadhead to remove spent blooms.

Warnings:
Squirrels dig up and eat crocus bulbs.  Prevent them from devouring your spring-blooming bulbs by planting the bulbs under the chicken wire.



Introduction image credit: Wikipedia commons

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