Frequently Asked Questions About The Crocus Plant
The crocus is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. Its cup-shaped flowers represent the beginning of spring after a long, dark winter. Do you want to know all about the crocus? We have collected the most frequently asked questions about crocus plants and answered them for you.
Basic Information
What Is A Crocus Bulb?
A crocus bulb is actually a corm from which a crocus grows. Planted in the autumn, it blooms with colourful flowers in the spring. Crocus bulbs are easy to grow and are perfect for, for example, cottage gardens.
Is Crocus The Same As Saffron?
No, crocus and saffron are not the same, but they are closely related. The most expensive spice saffron is obtained from the flower of Crocus Sativus. Although all saffron comes from a crocus, not all crocuses are suitable for saffron production.
What Is Special About Crocus?
Crocus plants are special because of their early spring flowering. They are one of the first early bulbs to bring a real splash of colour to your garden after winter.
Which Crocus Is Edible?
The crocus flower Sativus, also known as “Saffron Crocus”, is the only crocus whose parts are edible. Each Crocus Sativus bulb produces one flower, and each flower gives you 3 stigmas of saffron.
Learn more: How to Grow Crocus Sativus (Saffron Crocus)?
Is A Crocus Poisonous?
Yes, some varieties of crocus plants are very dangerous to dogs. To be safe, plant crocuses out of the reach of children and pets.
What Colour Do Crocuses Come In?
Crocus plants come in a wide variety of colours. The crocus petals can be blue, purple, orange, yellow, and even white. Some varieties even have multicolored flowers with striped or spotted patterns. The most well-known is the purple crocus flower.
Planting
How To Plant Crocus Bulbs?
Wait until the soil is 15°C (60ºF) or lower. Choose a spot with well-drained soil in a sunny spot or partial shade. Plant the crocus bulbs 5 to 7 cm (2-3 inches) deep and 7 cm (3 inches) apart in the soil, pointing the bulbs upwards. Water well once and wait until spring.
Learn more: How to Grow Crocus Bulbs?
What Month Do You Plant Crocus Bulbs?
Crocus bulbs are best planted in autumn, usually between September and November, depending on where you live. Ensure the soil is 15°C (60ºF) or colder, but not freezing.
How Deep To Plant Crocus Bulbs?
Crocus bulbs should be planted between 5 and 7 cm (2-3 inches) deep. This applies to gardens, pots, and containers.
Where Is The Best Place To Plant Crocus Bulbs?
The best place to plant crocus bulbs is in well-drained, loose soil and full sun or light shade. For example, in the grass or under trees. The plant can also bloom indoors.
Can You Plant More Than One Crocus Bulb In A Hole?
No, give each bulb its own hole. You should keep a distance of 7 cm (3 inches) between each bulb. In a container, it can be closer, but make sure the bulbs don't touch each other.
Condition
What Are The Best Conditions For Crocus?
The best conditions for crocus bulbs are in well-drained soil, in a position with full sun or partial shade.
Do Crocus Flowers Like Sun Or Shade?
Crocuses do well when they are planted in full sun or partial shade.
Can You Leave Crocus Bulbs In The Ground All Year?
You can. However, make sure the soil is still well-drained, otherwise the bulbs will become soaked and start to rot.
Flowering Crocus
When Do Crocus Flowers Bloom?
Crocus takes about 4 months to flower. The flowers bloom between late winter and early spring, depending on the area where you live.
Does Crocus Smell?
No, most crocuses do not have a smell, although some varieties can be fragrant.
What Happens To Crocus After They Bloom?
After flowering, crocuses go dormant. The foliage collects energy through photosynthesis to strengthen the bulb for the next season. After a few weeks, the foliage will automatically turn yellow and die back, and then it can be removed.
Why Did My Crocus Not Flower?
There are several reasons why your crocus hasn't started to flower. It could be the wrong planting depth, soil that doesn't drain well, or weather conditions.
Life cycle
What Is The Life Cycle Of A Crocus?
Crocus bulbs are planted in the autumn. The bulb remains underground throughout the winter. In late winter/early spring, the crocuses begin to flower. After that, the flowers and leaves die back. The bulb goes dormant, and the cycle starts again in the autumn.
Do Crocuses Come Back Every Year?
Yes, crocuses come back every year. They are perennials, which means they grow every year. With proper care, crocus bulbs can flower for up to 5 years.
Looking for more FAQs? Read our crocus bulbs questions & answers
Crocus Bulbs For Sale At DutchGrown
At DutchGrown, you will find a wonderful collection of crocus bulbs. All our top-sized bulbs are shipped from Holland to all over the UK. Discover our fantastic and high-quality collection of crocus bulbs, and choose your favourites for your garden.
