While crocuses are often considered bulbs, strictly speaking, they are corms (like gladiolas). The difference is rather technical and not important for most gardeners, as both corms and bulbs are essentially modified storage structures by which the plant will initiate growth. Corms differ from true bulbs in that the corm is modified stem tissue, while a true bulb is modified leaf tissue. Crocuses are most often planted for early spring color, though there are also varieties that bloom in late fall and early winter. Spring crocus is an especially early-blooming variety that should be planted in the early fall. These plants have a fast growth rate, and they typically bloom within two to five weeks after the temperature rises and the bulbs begin active growth in spring. To extend the bloom time, mix different species of crocuses in your garden. In addition, planting them where other plants will fill in and hide their foliage will help to prolong blooming and give the crocuses a chance to store energy for the next season. Crocuses fade quickly once the weather gets hot. As with tulips and other bulbs, spring crocus bulbs are nourished by the dying foliage of the plants, so it’s important not to trim the leaves until they are completely yellow. This typically occurs within six weeks after they bloom. If the crocus is planted in a grassy area, refrain from mowing during this time, lest your bulbs be deprived of essential nutrients.
Light
Crocuses do best in full sun but because they bloom early in the year when there is little foliage on the trees, spots that are shady during the summer are usually fine for spring-blooming crocuses.
Soil
Crocus plants prefer a neutral soil pH of 6 .0 to 7.0, and they’re usually not fussy about the soil type. However, a well-draining soil is crucial. As with most plants with bulb roots, crocuses do not like to sit in soggy soil, which can cause them to rot.
Water
Crocuses are generally low-maintenance plants. They like to be watered regularly in the spring and fall. If there is no snow cover, the bulbs also need water throughout the winter. However, they go dormant in the summer and prefer drier soil during this time.
Temperature and Humidity
Crocus bulb hardiness varies slightly depending on which type you are growing, but most crocuses are reliable within USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. They bloom and survive best where winters are cold since crocus bulbs need a 12- to 15-week period of cold temperatures at around 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit to set their blooms. Humidity usually isn’t an issue, although excessive humidity can lead to rot. In climates where the winter temperatures are not sufficiently low to chill the corms, crocuses are often planted as annuals. They can be purchased from vendors who pre-chill the corms at 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 weeks. It is also possible to chill the corms yourself for the following spring’s planting by digging up the bulbs after the foliage has yellowed. Begin chilling the corms in the refrigerator about 14 weeks before the planned planting time. However, make sure not to store fruit in the same refrigerator, as ethylene gas emitted by the fruit will ruin the crocuses.
Fertilizer
Crocuses do not require a lot of fertilizer. They store their own energy in their bulbs, which is why it is essential that you do not cut back the leaves until they turn yellow. A light top dressing of bulb food or bone meal in the fall is a good idea if you have poor soil.
Crocus Varieties
Autumn crocus (Crocus sativus): Spring crocus does not have saffron, but rather, the spice comes from a variety called autumn crocus. Known for producing saffron, autumn crocus blooms in the fall with light purple flowers that produce golden or dark red saffron. ‘Bieberstein’s crocus (Crocus speciosus): This species blooms in the fall, featuring lilac blue flowers with dark veining.‘Bowles White’ crocus (Crocus atticus ‘Bowles White’): This variety produces snowy white flowers with yellow throats and blooms in the early spring.Dutch crocus (Crocus vernus ‘Pickwick’): The flowers of this variety are striped in pale and dark lilac, blooming in the spring.Purpureus Grandiflorus crocus (Crocus vernus ‘Purpureus Grandiflorus’): This variety blooms in the spring with abundant violet flowers. Tricolor crocus (Crocus sieberi ‘Tricolor’): This plant blooms in late winter to early spring and features bands of lilac, white, and yellow on its petals.
Propagating Crocuses
It is not necessary to divide bulbs from your crocus plants. In many areas, crocuses are somewhat short-lived, and you might need to replant every few years. However, if your plants do very well and start to multiply, your crocus can come back every year if the bulbs are stored properly. The plants will eventually begin to bloom less as the clumps become dense. If that happens, you can dig up and divide the bulbs when the foliage starts to die back. Replant the bulbs at least 3 inches apart or in another location entirely.
Common Pests and Diseases
Crocuses are susceptible to viruses, which can cause distortions, streaking, and buds that fail to open. There is no cure for viral diseases; if they strike, dispose of the plants to prevent spreading the virus. The biggest problem for spring crocus flowers and bulbs is being eaten by chipmunks, deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Other animals, such as skunks, may dig the bulbs out of the ground while searching for insects. There are liquid deterrents that can be sprayed on the leaves and granular deterrents you can scatter to prevent nibbling. You can also buy wire cages or cover the bulbs with chicken wire (under the soil) to protect the bulbs in the ground when you plant them. If you find your plants are constantly being harmed, avoid using bone meal, as it can attract animals. Instead, try interplanting your crocuses with daffodils, which many pests won’t touch.
