How to Grow Crocus Bulbs

Crocus Bulbs 2010_02

About Growing Saffron and Snow Crocus Bulbs

When you see Saffron Crocus bulbs in bloom, you know that Spring will soon be here. Also called Snow crocus, they are aptly named, as they are the earliest of spring flowers. These plants can be found bursting into bloom, while snow is still on the ground. As soon as there is a warm spell in late winter or early spring, they begin to grow. If it snows again before they bloom, or during bloom, that’s okay. Both the plant and the flowers will be unharmed. It only takes a few days of growth, to blossom into the first bright colors of the year. This guide on growing Crocus bulbs will show you just how easy, and rewarding, it is to grow them.

While most varieties bloom in the Spring, some are Fall bloomers. Spring and Fall varieties are not the same. Saffron only comes from a Fall variety. The stamen from autumn-blooming crocuses are used to make saffron dye, food, and even medicine. Saffron spice is quite popular. Ancient Greeks and Romans used the dyed in a variety of ways. Roman women used it to dye their hair. Medicinally, saffron is known to reduce inflammation and pain, lower cholesterol, and memory problems. It improves eyesight and insomnia. Also, it helps to lower heartburn and gas.

All varieties of low-growing crocus look great along woodlands and in your flower gardens. To many homeowners, a random blooming crocus or two in the lawn is viewed as a pleasant surprise. 

Flowers Bloom: We think of Crocus as an early spring blooming bulb. But, some varieties of Crocus bloom in the fall.

Flower Colors: a wide variety of bright colors

Toxicity: They are toxic to pets.

Did You Know? European cultures once used crocus corms and tulip bulbs for currency. 

Saffron Crocus Bulbs Flower White

Snow Crocus are the Earliest Spring Bloomers

Snow Crocuses are native to Southern Europe and Asia. However, these hardy flowers are found around the world.  Crocuses are as popular in other parts of the world, as they are in your own backyard. Their early blooms brighten up the landscape around the world with white, yellow, blue, and light orange flowers above thin grass-like leaves. These small plants grow just 3-4 inches tall. Best of all, they are easy to grow and very prolific.

The flower is a symbol of joy and rebirth. It is a sign of hope and new beginnings. 

While many people refer to crocus as bulbs, these plants actually grow from corms, a bulb-like stem.

Not only are crocuses good flowers in the garden, but they also make good houseplants. You can easily force Snow Crocus to bloom indoors. So, when you buy corms, save a few for planting indoors over the long, colorless winter months. Learn how to Force Bulbs.

Did you know? The word “Crocus” is Latin for Saffron. Knowing this, it should not surprise you that Saffron comes from the stigma of the Saffron Crocus. But, it takes thousands of flowers to get an ounce of Saffron.

Crocus Flower 10

Crocus Flowers Plant Propagation

While many people refer to them as bulbs, Saffron and snow crocus are actually grown from corms, a bulb-like stem. The mother corm produces several baby corms. Then, the mother corm usually dies in the same year. The new corms can be dug up and separated to be replanted. Make sure to mark and keep colors separate, if you want to create a design in the new bed.

Bulb Planting Depth: 3 to 4 inches deep.

Crocus Flower 14

How to Grow Crocus Flower Bulb

Plant crocus singly, or in groups. We do not recommend planting a large number of them close together, as they will rapidly multiply. In a year or two, that small group will become a major clump of attractive plants, regardless of how many you plant together. Fortunately, Crocus plants tolerate overcrowding.

Plant Snow Crocus corms in the fall. Select a sunny location where the soil is not too wet or soggy over the winter and spring months. Most importantly, select a planting location where you can see them from a window of your house. You don’t want to miss the first show of the year, often poking through the snow!

First work the soil, adding compost to provide a rich bed for growth. Mix into the soil a generous portion of bulb fertilizer. You can plant corms singly, or in groups as desired. Plant the small corms using a trowel, a bulb planter, or just by pushing them into soft soil to the proper depth of about 2 inches from the top of the corm. Add a thin (not thick) layer of mulch on top, if desired.

Snow crocus flowers look their best in groups. They tolerate crowding. However, if too crowded, the flowers are smaller, and the plant may fail to produce flowers. As a result, you need to dig them up and separate the corms every several years.

Plant height: 4 to 6 inches tall.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 3 – 8

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 8.0.

Did You Know? Are you looking to gather the saffron? It takes about 85,000 crocus flowers to make 1 single kilogram of saffron. And, it is important to collect the flowers between dawn and 10:00 am.

Growing Crocus Indoors

Like many other bulbs and corms, Crocus corms need a dormant, chilling period in order to set the blooms. In nature, the cold winter provides this “chilling period”.  Corms need to chill for 12-15 weeks. This can be accomplished by putting corms in the refrigerator. Another way is to pot them up and set the pots out in a cold garage.

Once the chilling period is complete, bring the pots with the crocus corms indoors and bring them up to room temperature overnight. Then add water to the container and you are on your way to seeing bright and cheerful crocuses in the dead of winter.  

After the plants have bloomed and died back, you can dig the corms out of the pot, and store them for planting outdoors in the Fall. 

Note: Often crocus grown indoors will not store a sufficient amount of energy to bloom next year. However, with a year of growth outdoors, they will bloom again the following year.

More on Chilling Bulbs and Corms.

Insects, Pests, and Plant Disease

Snow Crocuses are resistant to insects and disease. But, squirrels like to snack on newly planted corms. If you have squirrels in the neighborhood, provide some protection for your helpless corms! You can cover the area with a screen until winter snow arrives. Or, you can spray the area with a repellent.

Deer do not usually bother them. However, they are included in the diet of chipmunks, mice, and squirrels. 

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