Bulb
Spring crocus
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowers | Flowers in February | Flowers in March | ||||||||||
| Plant | Plant in September | Plant in October | ||||||||||
| Looks good | Looks good in February | Looks good in March |
Overview
Spring crocuses open their goblet flowers wide only when the sun shines, so a mild February day can turn a lawn into a sheet of purple, white and gold. They are cheap, quick to establish and great for children to plant. The slender 'Tommies', Crocus tommasinianus, seed and spread freely; Crocus chrysanthus varieties such as 'Cream Beauty' and 'Blue Pearl' are compact and early; and large Dutch crocuses like 'Pickwick', with striped petals, give the boldest show in pots.
Where to grow spring crocus
Choose a spot that gets sun in late winter, even if it is shaded by trees later in the year. Lawns, rockeries, the front of borders, gravel and window boxes all work. Soggy ground rots the corms.
Planting
Plant corms from September to October, around 8cm deep and 5–8cm apart. For a natural look in grass, scatter handfuls and plant them where they land, lifting small flaps of turf or using a narrow bulb planter.
Care through the year
Spring
If crocuses are in a lawn, delay the first cut until the leaves have faded, roughly six weeks after flowering.
Summer
Corms are dormant; they like a warm, dry rest.
Autumn
Plant new corms and top up thin patches. Lay wire mesh over freshly planted pots if squirrels are about.
Winter
Watch for buds pushing through. Pots can be moved to a sunny step so the flowers open.
Pruning
There is nothing to prune. Leave leaves to die back on their own.
Propagation
Corms produce cormlets, so clumps thicken naturally. Lift and divide congested groups as the foliage fades. Species crocuses also self-seed, especially in short turf.
Common problems
Squirrels, mice and voles dig up and eat corms; plant deeper and cover with mesh. Sparrows sometimes shred yellow flowers, which is harmless to the plant. Don't confuse spring crocus with autumn crocus (Colchicum), a different and highly poisonous plant.
Something else wrong? Diagnose it by symptom.
Month-by-month reminders
Jobs for this plant come round in September and October. Each month page lists everything else worth doing in the garden at the same time.
Related plants
Sources
Botanical names follow Kew's Plants of the World Online; growing attributes were checked against the references below. Text is our own. See our editorial policy.