Species Crocus Mix

Species crocus bulbs are planted in fall for blooms the following late winter. They are about as easy as bulbs get, but a little attention at planting time pays off for years.

Unboxing

• Open right away. Remove bulbs from the packaging and check that they are firm and dry.
• Store cool and dry. If you cannot plant immediately, keep them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot and plant within a few weeks.

Planting

1. Pick your spot. Choose a site with full sun to light shade and soil that drains well; avoid low areas that stay soggy in winter.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the top 6 inches of soil and mix in compost if it is heavy clay.
3. Set the depth. Plant bulbs 3-4 inches deep with the pointed end up and the flat root plate down.
4. Space them out. Keep bulbs 3-4 inches apart, or toss handfuls and plant where they land for a natural drift.
5. Water in. Backfill, firm the soil gently, and water once to settle everything in place.

Watering

• After planting. One good soaking is usually all fall-planted bulbs need.
• During growth. Spring rain typically covers it; water only during extended dry spells while leaves are green.
• After bloom. Stop supplemental water once foliage yellows and the bulbs go dormant.

Feeding

• At planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting area.
• Each spring. Scatter a light application of balanced fertilizer as shoots emerge to fuel next year's flowers.

Care After Bloom

• Let the leaves work. Leave the grassy foliage in place until it yellows and dies back so bulbs can recharge.
• Mow later. In lawns, hold off the first mowing over the crocus area until the foliage has faded, usually only a few weeks.
• Leave them be. Do not dig or divide unless clumps get crowded after many years; crocus prefer to naturalize undisturbed.

Containers

• Use a deep pot. Choose a container at least 6 inches deep with drainage holes and well-drained potting mix.
• Chill in cold zones. Overwinter pots in an unheated garage or sheltered spot so bulbs get their cold period without freezing solid.

When should I plant these crocus bulbs?

Plant in fall, once soil temperatures cool but before the ground freezes. In most zones that is September through November.

How deep and how far apart do they go?

Plant 3-4 inches deep, pointed end up, and space bulbs 3-4 inches apart. For a naturalized look, scatter them and plant where they land.

Can I plant crocus in my lawn?

Yes. Species crocus are ideal for lawns because the grassy foliage dies back early. Just delay the first mowing over that area until the leaves yellow.

Will they come back and multiply?

They will. Species crocus naturalize well, returning each year and spreading into wider drifts when left undisturbed.

Do deer and rabbits eat crocus?

Crocus flowers can be nibbled by deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Planting in larger numbers or covering new plantings with wire mesh helps protect them.

What colors are included in the mix?

The mix produces blue, white, purple, yellow, and striped bicolor flowers, all blooming at roughly the same time in late winter to early spring.