Crocus. Сrocuses. Сroci. Care, growing, planting, fertilizing crocus bulb. Guide to growing, propagation and division. Varieties and flowers species, flower bulb catalog.

Crocus. Сrocuses. Сroci.

• Introduction
• Propagation
• How to Grow. Growing crocus
• Insects, Pests, and Disease

Introduction

Crocus (plural: crocus, crocuses or croci) is a genus of perennial flowering plants, native to a large area from coastal and subalpine areas of central and southern Europe (including the islands of the Aegean), North Africa and the Middle East, across Central Asia to western China.

The genus Crocus is placed botanically in the iris family (Iridaceae). The plants grow from corms and are mainly hardy perennials, and are found a wide range of habitats, including woodland, scrub and meadows.

There are about eighty species of crocus (of which approximately 30 are cultivated). Their cup-shaped, solitary, salverform flowers taper off into a narrow tube. Their color varies enormously, although lilac, mauve, yellow and white are predominant. The grass-like, ensiform leaf shows generally a white central stripe along the leaf axis. The leaf margin is entire. All crocuses typically have three stamens.

The name of the genus is derived from the Latin adjective crocatus, meaning saffron yellow. The spice saffron is obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus, an autumn/fall-blooming species.

Propagation

Crocus are grown from corms, a bulb-like stem. The mother corm will produce several baby corms, then usually die 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 or look in the new bed.

How to Grow. Growing crocus

Plant crocuses 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 tolerates overcrowding. Plant Crocus corms in the fall. Select a sunny location where the soil is not too wet or soggy over winter and during spring. Most importantly, select a spot where you can see them from a window of your house. You don't want to miss the first show of the year! First work the soil, adding compost to provide a rich bed for growth. Mix into the soil a generous portion of bulb fertilizer. Plant corms singly, or in groups as desired. These small corms can be planted using a trowel, a bulb planter, or just 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.

Insects, Pests, and Disease

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!