Did you know that crocus bulbs remaining in the ground will always bloom a bit earlier than the ones planted the previous year? When its purple- to lilac-colored flowers bloom, they look fresh, almost springlike in the fall landscape. Bad timing, since even tulips didn't bloom this season thanks to the erratic weather. Robust types provide drifts of colour in lawns and underneath deciduous trees. The snow crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) is a purple-flowering species that starts blooming as early as March in some areas. Bad timing, since even tulips didn't bloom this season thanks to the erratic weather. I planted 15 Crocus bulbs in a 12 diameter planter nearly a month and a half ago. The flowers appear from spring to early summer but during mild winters they can bloom as early as February. The buds emerge from the soil at the same time as the foliage. The snow crocus (Crocus tommasinianus) is a purple-flowering species that starts blooming as early as March in some areas. If bulbs stay in damp soil, such as clay, they could rot. Prior to taking up writing full time she has worked as a landscape artist and organic gardener. It has purple flowers with white centers and is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. They bloom following a dormant summer period. One day there will be no sign of growth and the next day you may discover them in bloom! Dutch crocus is an ideal bulb to naturalise in grass. First crab apple bloom on April 21st. When its gold-yellow flowers emerge, sometimes as early as February, you'll know spring is close behind. All Rights Reserved. Fill a container with soil and plant the bulbs, cover with ½ inch of soil. The plants grow 4-6-inches tall and have lilac-purple flowers that open a few weeks after C. speciosus.Each flower produces three reddish-orange stigmas which are harvested and dried to create saffron. By blooming so early, the crocus assures itself of the complete attention of available pollinators - small bees and other insects. A. One day there will be no sign of growth and the next day you may discover them in bloom! She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes. Spring crocus (Crocus vernus) is a common spring-blooming crocus species. They grow well in mild climates, as well as northern regions, and are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, depending on the cultivar. The sp… The yellow and bronze ones started last week when it was so warm, only in the front garden that faces east. Stanley Park; Seawall; Queen Elizabeth Park; Hastings Park; VanDusen Botanical Garden. In general, bulbs are planted three to four times as deep (measured from the base of the bulb) as the width of the bulb. Many are cultivated for their flowers appearing in autumn, winter, or spring. Expect blooms in 6-10 weeks, though sometimes they’ll bloom in as little as 4-6 weeks. Autumn crocus add a rainbow of colour to the garden as summer flowers start to fade, and Spring Crocus are one of the earliest plants to flower in late Winter. They usually have fine grassy foliage that appears with or after the flower buds. In order to force hardy bulbs such as crocus, you need to give it the conditions it would have experienced if it were planted in the garden. Many popular hybrids of this crocus have been developed over the years. Dig the corms up every three to four years and divide them to encourage new growth and better blooming. A. Crocuses planted in a sunny, protected area bloom earlier than those growing under evergreens. ), which include about 80 species, bloom in late winter, spring and fall. Crocus can flower any time from late winter to early spring. Visitors can also observe crocuses of various colors in most residential areas of London. Crocus plants have subterranean corms from which the inflorescence arises. The taller colchicum autumn crocus will flower in part sun, but can get floppy. Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) create quick jewel-toned flowers in the fall garden in about 6-10 weeks (sometimes as little as 4-6 weeks) after being planted. Avoid heavy clay soils or those that drain water poorly. These flower in late winter, usually during the month of March. When bulbs do not receive enough chilling, they bloom close to the ground, on very short stems. (Don’t do that!) They usually have fine grassy foliage that appears with or after the flower buds. I planted them in April and just found them in a move. Place crocuses in a container with their tips slightly sticking up from the soil. This year i tried to grow Crocus flowers in the garden. Use caution with homegrown saffron, however, because other crocus varieties are highly poisonous and easily confused with the saffron crocus. The yellow and bronze ones started last week when it was so warm, only in the front garden that faces east. Nature Photos. If your plants don't appear in the spring, dig up the area to see if they've been eaten by rodents. Crocus bulb hardiness varies slightly depending on which type you are growing, but most crocuses are reliable within USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8. That species, hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, has bright orange-yellow flowers. See above (or below in another question) for guidance on what to do with it after the bloom fades, as you wait for the cold weather of early winter to plant it. Jan 23rd, 2004, 04:26 PM #2 jsmith . The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), which is perennial in USDA zones 6 through 8, is a true crocus that blooms in fall. The calyx-shaped flowers open only when the sun shines or when there is a lot of light; they close up in rainy weather and at night. Growth Rate: Fast once established. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, Missouri Botanical Garden: Crocus Sativus, Royal Horticultural Society: Crocus Flavus Subsp. 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