Crocus Growing Guide: How to Plant Crocus Bulbs

Crocuses are perennial flowering plants. Gardeners plant them in the fall so the crocus flowers can bloom just as winter ends—sometimes popping up even before the snow has completely melted. No more than two to five inches in height, these plants have grass-like leaves and flowers that come in a variety of colors and fragrances. Crocus plants grow out of corms (crocus bulbs) and sprout new flowers every year in the right conditions.

There are over 80 crocus species, but these varieties and cultivars are among the most common:

1. 1. Snow crocus (Crocus chrysanthus): The snow crocus, also known as the golden crocus, is native to Turkey and has golden-yellow flowers.
2. 2. Dutch crocus (Crocus vernus): Native to the Alps and the Balkans, Dutch crocuses are typically larger than other varieties, with mature plants growing six inches tall.
3. 3. Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus): Also known as the autumn crocus, this species produces the spice saffron in the flowers’ stamens.
4. 4. Crocus sieberi ‘Bowles White’: ‘Bowles White’ has a white flower with a golden yellow throat that blooms in early spring.
5. 5. Crocus vernus ‘Flower Record’: This crocus cultivar blooms in spring to early summer and is pale to deep violet in color.
6. 6. Crocus vernus ‘Pickwick’: This Dutch crocus cultivar is striped with pale and dark lilac hues and has a dark purple base. It usually blooms from spring to early summer.
7. 7. Crocus sieberi ‘Tricolor’: The ‘Tricolor’ crocus features petals with three bands of lilac, white, and yellow. Mature plants reach three inches in height.

It’s relatively easy to plant crocuses, but there are a few tips to keep in mind.

1. 1. Plant crocus corms in the fall. You’ll want to plant the corms before the ground freezes. Aim to have your crocus corms in the ground six to eight weeks before the first frost of the season or before the soil temperature dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. 2. Plant them in full sun. Crocuses can be planted almost anywhere, so long as they get full sun.
3. 3. Plant them in soil with good drainage. Crocuses need loose, well-draining soil so their corms won’t rot. Crocus bulbs do well in rocky, sandy soils, making them ideal for rock gardens.
4. 4. Bury the corms deep enough in the ground. Bury the corms three to four inches into the soil, then water them thoroughly. In terms of spacing, you can plant the corms in clusters so flowering crocuses later appear in clusters.
5. 5. Deter rodents with a wire cage. Sometimes mice, squirrels, and voles will feed on the corms. You can prevent this by placing a wire cage over your freshly planted corms.

Despite being a fairly low-maintenance plant, crocuses still require some upkeep.

• Apply fertilizer. Although fertilizer isn’t a must for crocuses, it does help them thrive longer. Apply fertilizer in the early fall if you live in a climate where the spring is short, or apply it in the late winter if the spring season runs long.
• Water your crocuses throughout autumn. If the weather is dry before the first snowfall or you live in a climate where there is no snow at all, make sure to water the crocus beds throughout the fall.
• Incorporate mulch. Before winter arrives, cover crocus beds with mulch to protect them from the cold. Remove the mulch in late February so new crocus shoots have a chance to break through the soil.
• Mow crocuses only after they’ve died. For crocus bulbs planted in lawns, mowing over the dead foliage can provide vital nutrients for next year’s blossoms. Wait at least a month after the blooming season has ended and the leaves have died to mow over the dead foliage.

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