Crocuses come back year after year and naturalize. Saffron Crocus blooms in the fall.
Often considered a symbol of joy and new beginnings, crocus flowers are some of the first flowers to bloom in late winter and early spring. The low-growing plants add pops of color in flower beds and under trees--and they look spectacular when planted by the hundreds or thousands and grown in lawns for a spring meadow effect. While not a true bulb (they are corms), crocus are like other spring-blooming bulbs--they are easy to grow and low maintenance. They are also a food source for bees.
Types of Crocus Flowers
Species: Species Crocus, sometimes called snow crocus, are the first crocus to bloom, often in late winter to very early spring. They're usually a bit smaller than their Giant Crocus cousins. Because they bloom so early, they can be planted in lawns and under deciduous trees. They can also be planted with later-blooming bulbs.
Giant: Giant Crocus, sometimes called Dutch Crocus, grow a bit taller and have slightly larger flowers than Species Crocus. Because they bloom in early spring, often after Species Crocus, many gardeners plant both Species and Giant crocus as a way to extend the crocus season. They're excellent for planting in lawns, flowerbeds and under deciduous trees.
Fall Blooming: Fall Booming Crocus, often called Saffron Crocus, bloom in September or October. With soft lilac flowers, they look like their spring-blooming cousins. Their orange stamens, though, can be used for cooking. Fall Blooming Crocus, like other crocus, are planted in the fall.
When to Plant Crocus Bulbs
Crocus corms, like other spring-blooming bulbs, should be planted in the fall, usually between September and November. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the weather cools (usually after a frost) and to plant at least 2-4 weeks before the ground freezes. To make sure that you're ready for crocus planting season and for the best selection of crocus bulbs, we recommend ordering your crocus bulbs from late summer to fall.
Where to Plant Crocus Flowers
Crocuses can be grown throughout much of the United States, thriving in zones 4-9-and some grow well in zone 3. To find your hardiness zone, use our zone finder. Like other bulbs, crocus corms require well-drained soil. In heavy clay and poorly drained soils, the bulbs may rot. Crocus flowers also require full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) to partial shade. Crocuses can be planted along walkways, in rock gardens and flower beds. They can also be planted under deciduous trees that leaf out later in the spring. Other places for planting crocuses are lawns and woodland areas. If planting in lawns, keep in mind that you will have to wait until after the foliage has faded before mowing.
How to Plant Crocus Bulbs
To keep your crocus bulbs in the best condition, plant them soon after they are delivered. If you can't plant them right away, open the cartons. If the bulbs are in plastic bags, remove them from the plastic. Place them on a tray in a cool, dark, dry, well-ventilated area until you can plant them. Do not store them at temperatures below 39°F.
Plant crocus bulbs in large drifts using groupings of 20-30 bulbs. Don't plant them too close to summer flowers--crocus can't handle heavy summer watering, so watering nearby plants may drown them. Plant crocus bulbs in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Place the bulbs 2-4" deep and space them about 2-3" apart. The pointy side of the corm should be facing up. Water thoroughly after planting.
Crocus are winter hardy and very low-maintenance bulbs. Here are a few tips for making them return year after year.
After the crocus flowers bloom, allow the foliage to die back naturally&mdashas the foliage is making food for next year's blooms. If crocus are planted in the lawn, wait to mow until the foliage fades.
Consider applying a light layer of fertilizer over the soil in the fall.
Crocuses need well-drained soil to survive. If your crocuses seem to perform poorly, the most likely reason is over-watering in the summer.
Crocus Flower FAQs
When do crocus bloom? Species and Giant Crocus bloom in late winter to early spring. Saffron Crocus bloom in the fall. When planning your garden, keep in mind that established crocus clumps bloom earlier than first-year plantings, so avoid planning your garden colors around first-year bloom times.
Will crocus come back every year? As long as you let the foliage fade naturally and the bulbs aren't overwatered in the summertime, crocus will come back year after year--and will often multiply.
Is crocus the same as saffron? Saffron comes from Crocus sativus, also called Saffron Crocus or Fall Crocus. Unlike Species and Giant Crocus flowers, which bloom in the spring, Saffron Crocus blooms in the fall.
Are crocus easy to grow? Crocus are easy to grow. They just don't like to sit in water.
What are common pests and diseases associated with crocus flowers? Crocus are fairly trouble free bulbs. The biggest problem seems to be squirrels, mice and other rodents who may dig them up and eat them, especially when newly planted. If this is a problem, consider planting your bulbs in cages.
Order with complete confidence. We select and ship only the finest quality bulbs and perennials. We pack them carefully to ensure they arrive safely. If you are not pleased with your purchase, please call us at 1-800-552-9916 or email us at service@dutchbulbs.com and our Customer Service representatives will be happy to help you obtain a merchandise credit. Your order is important to us, and we want you, our customer, to be completely satisfied.
