When should I plant autumn crocus?
The autumn crocus develops from a corm, which should be planted in late summer or early fall, 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) under the surface of the soil. The flowers of the autumn crocus tend to be delicate and should be protected, so situate them under low growing plants or even amid the lawn.
When should I plant crocus bulbs?
spring
when to plant crocuses Plant the corms September–November for an early spring display. You can plant autumn-flowering crocuses and colchicums in late summer for autumn and early winter colour.
Can you plant crocus bulbs in the fall?
Spring-blooming Crocus are hardy in zones 3-8 and are planted in fall, as long as you can still work the ground. If you live in a warmer climate simply keep your bulbs in the refrigerator until late winter and then plant them out as annuals. For fall-blooming Saffron crocus, plant in late August or September.
Can you leave crocus bulbs in the ground?
Crocus plants require a chilling period of 6 to 8 weeks before sprouting time. The corms are quite cold hardy but in soil that drains poorly, leaving them in the ground can cause rot. If you purchase your crocus too early in the season for planting, you can save them until planting time.
How deep should I plant autumn crocus?
Bulb size: 5 Often the earliest autumn crocus to bloom, it soon increases to form large colonies. Garden care: Plant bulbs in naturalistic drifts 10cm (4in) deep in July or August in gritty, well-drained soil. Where bulbs are planted in grass do not cut the lawn until after the leaves have died back.
What is the difference between spring and autumn crocus?
These ‘autumn flowering crocus’ are unlike spring crocus – bigger, bolder flowers, often without leaves around them, and such a welcome shot of colour in the late sun of autumn. A bonus perhaps from the saffron crocus, ‘Crocus sativus’, is that the lovely lilac purple flowers may appear into early spring.
How many years do crocus bulbs last?
Most bulbs, if stored correctly, can be kept for about 12 months before needing to be planted. The longevity of flowering bulbs is largely determined by the adequacy of the storage provided.
How many crocus bulbs can you plant together?
Aim to plant in groups of at least six, as the more bulbs that are grouped together, the better the display. Typically, 25 to 50 bulbs may be needed to make an impressive show.
What do you do with crocuses when they have finished flowering?
Crocus and other hardy forced bulbs can be moved to the garden for future enjoyment. Remove faded flowers leaving the leaves intact. Move the plant to a warm sunny window. Water thoroughly and allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again.
What do fall crocus bulbs look like?
The upright, 8-14″ leaves of autumn crocus resemble that of a short, dark green tulip or even a romaine lettuce head. Three to eight leaves grow out of a bulb-like corm in the spring and then go dormant in the early summer.
What do autumn crocus bulbs look like?
Buy Crocus speciosus autumn crocus bulbs: Pretty lilac flowers in Oct/Nov. Beautiful, bluish-violet, goblet-shaped flowers with deep blue veins from September to November, followed by narrow, mid-green leaves. Often the earliest autumn crocus to bloom, it soon increases to form large colonies.
How do you identify autumn crocus?
Autumn Crocus Crocus nudiflorus A small flowering plant that produces the familiar crocus flower in Autumn. Flowers are a vivid purple and appear without leaves. The leaves are produced in Spring but wither and die before the flowers emerge. There are no native crocus in the UK.
What kind of crocus blooms in the fall?
Crocus speciosus ‘Conqueror is a lovely fall-blooming Crocus with large, goblet shaped, rich violet blue blooms adorned with bright orange anthers. Usually the earliest fall crocus to bloom, ‘Conqueror’ also boasts the largest blooms within the Crocus speciosus varieties.
Is it safe to eat autumn crocus bulbs?
All parts of autumn crocus plants are toxic with resulting symptoms from ingestion similar to those of arsenic poisoning. These symptoms occur within two to five hours due to the alkaloid colchicines contained in the autumn crocus bulbs.
What is the history of the autumn crocus?
History of Autumn Crocus Plants. The autumn crocus has a long history as a poison. Greek slaves were known to have eaten the plant to make them sick, and even to commit suicide. Besides its use as a poison, autumn crocus bulbs have long been utilized for medicinal purposes as well.
Are there any medicinal uses for autumn crocus?
Besides its use as a poison, autumn crocus bulbs have long been utilized for medicinal purposes as well.