How to Grow and Care for Crocosmia Flowers

About Growing Crocosmia Plants in Your Home Flower Garden

Crocosmia flowers are a popular and attractive flowering bulb. Native to South Africa, Crocosmia plans are members of the Iris family. Growing Crocosmia is easy. The plants grow two to four feet tall in a season. The tube-shaped flower colors include red, yellow, orange-yellow, and orange with splotches.

Crocosmia grows well in the flower garden and containers on patios or decks.

Flowers Bloom: Summer

Flower Colors: Colors include red, yellow, orange-yellow, and orange with splotches.

Plant height: 2 to 4 feet tall.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 5 – 10

Perennial

Crocosmia Flower Plant Propagation

While you often hear people talk about Crocosmia “bulbs”, they are actually grown from corms. The corms are best planted in the fall for blooms the following spring.

Crocosmia can also be started from seeds. Plants seeds in seed trays, about 1/4″ deep, in seed starting soil. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors in late spring. However, due to the long time it takes for seeds to sprout, home gardeners usually buy and plant corms.

After three or four years, dig up and divide Crocosmia corms in the fall. Replant the corms, giving them more space to grow big and bright blooms next year.

Note: For indoor starts, we recommend using a heated germination mat, to increase the speed of germination. And it results in a higher germination rate.

Seeds Days to Germination: 28 – 56.

Bulb Planting Depth: Plant corms 3 to 4 inches deep.

Final Plant Spacing: Space plants 6 to 8 inches apart.

How to Grow Crocosmia Flowers

Crocosmia plants are easy to grow. They grow best in full sun. Plant in rich, loose garden soil. If the soil is heavy or doesn’t drain well, mix in a generous amount of sand. Plant corms 3 to 4 inches deep. Then, water them after planting, only if the soil is dry. Keep soil moist, not wet. Add fertilizer only if the soil is poor.

Plants will grow two to four feet tall and begin to produce flowers in the summer.

If growing Crocosmia in containers, select a large pot with drainage holes. Keep well watered. Add fertilizer regularly for best growth.

After the plants have died back in the fall, they can be cut at the ground level. In cold areas, add a generous amount of mulch, to protect the corms from freezing. Or, dig them up and store them for replanting in the spring.

Ideal Soil pH: 5.8 – 6.8.