Giant Crocus for Naturalizing

Crocus bulbs are planted in fall so they can chill through winter and bloom at the first hint of spring. Plant them soon after arrival for the best results.

Unboxing

• Inspect on arrival. Bulbs should feel firm and plump; papery outer skins and loose flakes are normal.
• Store cool and dry. If you cannot plant right away, keep bulbs in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot for up to a few weeks.

Planting

1. Pick your spot. Choose full sun to partial shade with soil that drains freely; under deciduous trees works well since crocus blooms before the canopy leafs out.
2. Plant in fall. Get bulbs in the ground about 6 weeks before the ground freezes, once soil temperatures cool.
3. Set the depth. Dig 3-4 inches deep and place each bulb pointed side up, flat root plate down.
4. Space for drifts. Set bulbs 2-4 inches apart and plant in clusters of 10 or more for a natural look.
5. Backfill and water. Cover with soil, firm gently, and water once to settle everything in.

Watering

• Water at planting. One deep soaking after planting is usually all fall watering they need.
• Keep it light in spring. Normal spring rain is generally enough; water only during unusually dry stretches while foliage is green.
• Stay dry in summer. Dormant bulbs rot in soggy soil, so avoid heavy irrigation over the planting area in summer.

Feeding

• Feed in fall. Mix a bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole area at planting time.
• Top-dress in spring. Sprinkle a balanced granular fertilizer as shoots emerge to fuel next year's flowers.

After Bloom Care

• Leave the foliage. Let the grassy leaves yellow and die back naturally so bulbs recharge for next season.
• Mow late. If planted in lawn, hold off on the first mowing until crocus foliage has faded.
• Let them spread. Skip digging or dividing unless clumps get crowded after several years.

Container Growing

• Use a draining pot. Plant in well-draining potting mix in a container with drainage holes.
• Give them a chill. Potted bulbs still need 12-15 weeks of cold, so overwinter pots in an unheated garage or sheltered spot.

How many bulbs come in this pack and what size are they?

You receive 25 bulbs sized 8-9 cm, a color-balanced mix from Holland.

When should I plant crocus bulbs?

Plant in fall, roughly six weeks before your ground freezes. The bulbs need a winter chill period in order to bloom in early spring.

Will crocus come back every year?

Yes. Crocus vernus is a hardy perennial bulb in zones 3-9 and naturalizes, meaning clumps multiply and the display gets fuller each year as long as you let the foliage die back naturally.

Can I plant crocus in my lawn?

Absolutely, that is one of the most popular uses. Just delay your first spring mowing until the crocus foliage has yellowed so the bulbs can store energy for next year.

Are crocus bulbs deer or rodent resistant?

Deer and rabbits usually leave the flowers alone, but squirrels, chipmunks, and voles will dig crocus bulbs. Laying chicken wire over the planting area until the ground freezes helps.

Are crocus safe around pets?

Spring crocus (Crocus vernus) is considered low toxicity, though eating bulbs can cause stomach upset in dogs and cats. Do not confuse it with autumn crocus (Colchicum), which is highly toxic.