How to plant crocus bulbs: for a pretty springtime display
Do you want to know how to plant crocus bulbs? Well, like most flower bulbs, they’re not difficult to grow, but there are a few points worth knowing.
One of the earliest signs of spring, these cheerful blooms never fail to bring a smile to your face. Whether planted in a pot, as a colorful clump in a flower bed, or naturalized under a tree in the lawn, these spring bulbs are a striking and uplifting sight in February and March, providing valuable pollen and nectar for bumblebees and other early bloomers. pollinators emerge.
Choose from small, dainty Species varieties, often with a sweet, delicate scent, or the tall, showy Dutch varieties for bold early-season colour.
Autumn-blooming crocuses can also be found. Not to be confused with the larger flowering Colchicum, the best fall flowering crocuses are the cup-shaped Pulchellus and speciosus. The highly prized and culinary delight, Crocus sativus saffron also blooms in October and November, setting the precious deep orange-red anthers against deep purple-hued lilac petals.
Our guide to planting crocus bulbs is packed with expert tips and everything you need to know.
How to plant crocus bulbs
(Photo credits: Torsten Sukrow/SULUPRESS.DE/DPA/PA Images)
“Crocuses bring a real splash of color to the garden in February and March,” says the iBulb team (opens in new tab). “These early blooming color bombs symbolize spring and joy. If you take a closer look, you’ll find that there are some spectacular strains.”
Learn how to plant flower bulbs, especially crocuses, below.
How do you plant spring flowering crocus bulbs?
Not many garden blooms make an impression in February, but crocuses really come into their own. From white and cheerful pastels to intense, deep purples, yellows and blues, they are among the earliest blooming bulbs to emerge.
Plant at the right time: When to plant crocus? As with many other spring flowers, you will be planting bulbs in the fall.
“Technically known as tubers, crocus bulbs should be planted in early fall, before the ground freezes,” says Jeff Dinslage of Nature Hills Nursery (opens in new tab). “This can be from September to November, depending on the growing area and the climate.”
Choose the right spot: “Plant in a sunny spot near a wall or foundation for earlier blooms, or in a shadier spot for later-emerging bulbs,” Jeff continues.
Plant at the right depth: “The aim is to plant tubers about 10 cm deep and 2.5–5 cm apart, either in a pot, as a group in a border or naturalized in a lawn. “In September or October, plant flower bulbs in 10 cm (4 in) deep true-to-life drifts,” says Plant Experiments Manager Sarah Raven (opens in new tab). “Where bulbs are planted in grass, only cut the grass after the leaves have died.”
Make sure the floor is suitable: Lovers of sun or part shade, these bulbs need well-draining soil, so it pays to add a handful of sand to each hole or to the bottom of each container before planting. It’s important to know that all parts of this plant are poisonous, so wear gloves when handling.
How to plant flowering crocus bulbs in the fall
“These beautiful bulbs will add a touch of faded color to your late fall garden,” says Karen Lynes of Peter Nyssen Bulbs (opens in new tab). “Their leaves appear after the flowers, so let the whole plant die off before cleaning up or mowing the dead remains.”
Plant from early August to late October at a depth of about 8-10 cm (3-4 in) and collect at the front of a border, in a pot, or naturalized in the grass under a tree. If they are happy, they will spread quickly over the following years, eventually forming a beautiful carpet of flowers.
How to plant crocus bulbs in pots
Plant flower bulbs in pots and they can instantly brighten up your patio or planter. Combine them with colourful, hardy annuals like violas or pansies, or go solo for maximum impact. From September to October, plant the bulbs 8-10 cm deep and close together so that they are almost touching.
Good drainage is key to keeping these bulbs from rotting. Therefore, always choose a container with one or more drainage holes and fill it with a special potting soil that contains a lot of sand. Keep outdoors or in a cool place for 10-12 weeks to allow roots to develop. Once warmer temperatures arrive, shoots will appear and pots can be moved into their flowering position.