Growing Crocus Bulbs

Plant Crocus Flowers For Great Spring And Autumn Color

Crocus bulbs produce those flowers, known to be the earliest precursors of spring, being first to bloom before anything else. In cold winter locations, the bulbs can be seen popping up through snow to signal the coming of spring.

On the other hand, lesser-known crocus plants, native to Europe, bloom in the fall around September and October rather than in the spring. The inexpensive crocus bulb comes in many sizes and varieties, and is a snap to plant.

The Different Types Of Crocus Plants

In the spring, two common crocus plant varieties are available for you to choose for planting your lawn and garden:

Crocus Species - Provides for a variety of unusual coloration to give your garden a new colorful look. Blooms the earliest and signals the start for spring for other flowers to follow.

Crocus Hybrids - Most common and provides larger flower petals for increased size look. Known as selections of Crocus vernus, or 'Dutch Crocus', hybrids bloom later than the Species Crocus, but prolong the flower season when both types are combined.

The autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) often gets mixed up with the real crocus. This plant is highly toxic and contains colchicin which is used as a medicinal drug.

The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is another fall crocus with lavender purple flowers. This autumn crocus produces the expensive spice saffron. Growing saffron crocus is easy and can be done in the ground or in containers.

When To Plant Crocus Flowers

The crocus bulbs that bloom in the fall usually ship in late summer for planting before fall comes. The flowers appear on a 3 to 5 inch stem in a goblet like shape. The Saffron Crocus is a great fall choice for the color and spices offered. For spring crocus types, they are usually planted in the fall before spring comes.

In order for crocus planting to be effective, you need to plant a larger number of crocus bulbs. This will be successful for long-term growth that comes back better every year.

Just imagine thousands of colorful crocuses blooming on your lawn or garden. In addition, crocuses are hardy little bulbs that can be grown in pots easily indoors.

For many people, crocus makes a wonderful welcome to their gardens in early spring to remind them of the upcoming warm weather. The crocus bloom signals a following of many other flowers to blossom as spring arrives.

Crocuses work great when installed in rock gardens. They can also be installed on your lawn around trees, borders, or dirt beds. In some areas when there's snow still on the ground, it's a relief see the crocuses blooming before anything else.

If you've never had the pleasure of growing crocuses in your garden, consider planting some crocus bulbs this fall for a pleasant surprise in the spring.

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