These late-winter blooms come back every year.
In many regions, crocus flowers (Crocusspp.)
mark the arrival of spring.
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Crocuses grow in various conditions, including woodlands, coastal gardens, and suburban lawns.
Bloom colors on the cup-shaped flowers include mauve, lavender, and yellow.
There are over 80 crocus species, but most commercially available corms arehybrid plantsderived from carefully cross-breeding selected species.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Spring crocuses are toxic to pets.
What Does Spring Crocus Symbolize?
Spring crocuses are known for their unique symbolic meaning, as these special plants bloom during cold weather.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Their flower represents rebirth, joy, hope, and fresh beginnings.
Crocus Care
While crocuses are often called bulbs, they are technically corms (like gladiolas).
Once established in an area, crocuses can spread independently by developing corm offsets.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
However, well-draining soil is crucial.
Water
Crocuses are generally low-maintenance plants.
They like to be watered regularly in the spring and fall.
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The corms need water throughout the winter if there is no snow cover.
However, they godormantin the summer and prefer drier soil.
Humidity usually isn’t an issue, although excessive humidity can lead to rot.
Chill the corms in the refrigerator for at least 12 weeks before planting.
Fertilizer
Crocuses do not require a lot of fertilizer.
They store their energy in their corms, so do not cut back the leaves until they turn yellow.
Spring crocus is an especially early-blooming variety that should beplanted in the early fall.
Pruning
Crocuses do not require any pruning.
You must leave the green foliage intact, allow it to turn yellow, and die back naturally.
The green leaves store food and pull energy into the corm to produce flowers the following winter or spring.
Once the flowers fade, they’ll disappear, not requiring deadheading.
Propagating Crocuses
Crocuses are grown from corm rooting structures.
They can also be grown from seed but take much longerusually several yearsto sprout from seed.
In many areas, crocuses are somewhat short-lived, and you might need to replant them every few years.
Crocuses may bloom less if the flowers clump too close together and become dense.
You might have a better chance of sowing the seeds indoors using a seed compost mix.
Outdoors, germination can occur in the spring or after several years.
If grown indoors, keep them potted and growing indoors for at least three growing seasons to establish fully.
By the third year, they should be ready to flower and go into the ground outdoors.
Also, give it gritty, peaty, or moderately fertile soil for faster drainage.
If growing seedlings, annually transplant the seedling each fall as long as it still fits the pot.
you might start with a 3-inch pot for a seed, then size up every year.
Refresh all the soil with new compost each time.
Overwintering
These cold-hardy corms can remain inground for the winter.
Remove heavy mulch in late January or early February so the petite blooms can poke through.
If unearthing the corms in the fall, store them in a cool, dark space over the winter.
Part of it can be sticking out of the ground.
Other animals, such as skunks, may dig the corms out of the ground while searching for insects.
Liquid deterrents can be sprayed on the leaves, and granular deterrents can be scattered to prevent nibbling.
Avoid using bone meal if your plants are constantly harmed, as it can attract animals.
Instead, try interplanting your crocuses withdaffodils, which many pests won’t touch.
Crocuses are susceptible to viruses, which can cause distortions, streaking, and buds that fail to open.
They should beplanted in the early fall.
How Long Does Spring Crocus Bloom?
Spring crocus flowers will usually bloom for about three weeks before falling off.
What Do Spring Crocus Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Crocuses are members of the iris family.
They produce cup-like blooms that close at night.
Spring crocuses emit a floral yet sweet honey-like scent.
Tricolor crocus blooms feature lilac, white, and yellow bands on their petals.
How to Encourage More Blooms
Mix different crocuses in your garden to extend the bloom time.
Growing Crocus Indoors
Some crocus flowers have a sweet fragrance, while others have no scent.
Either way, it entices bees and other pollinators who seek out this early bloomer.
The gardening term for this isstratification.
It doesn’t require light.
Only water the plant once a month.
The soil should be dry to the touch before watering.
Time triggers the end of “winter” for the plant, and the corms will naturally sprout.
Common Problems With Spring Crocus
Spring crocuses are easy to grow.
They usually bloom at a time when insect activity and other diseases are less likely to be an issue.
However, certain problems come up that can affect their growth.
No Blooms
One of the biggest complaints about crocuses is when they fail to bloom.
Also, germination rates are unpredictable if you start your crocuses from seed.
Crocus Flower Bed Is Diminishing
The natural lifespan of a crocus corm is about five years.
However, many create offsets or cormlets underground.
However, the process of creating more corms also crowds the space.
With crowding comes competition for soil nutrients and water.
Remove the dead, dying, or rotting corms.
Replant the healthy corms in the same spot at least 3 inches apart in compost-enriched soil.
The worms are microscopic, but they can kill a plant from underground.
To remedy the situation, dig up the corms, and dispose of the damaged ones.
Replant them in compost-rich soil.
Compost has beneficial bacteria that smother nematodes and mites.
Yes, as long as the container has good drainage.
Fill the container with a soil mix and a little extra peat.
Position the crocus corms so their tips stick slightly out of the soil.
Water well and put the container in a cool place (35 to 45 F.) for several months.
Then, move the container to a bright and warm location.
Theres no reason to deadhead the blooms.
Leave all the foliage in place to die back naturally.
April showers may bring spring bulbs.
What does that mean for your pet?American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Bulbs and more: Planting and Care.
University of Illinois Extension.
