Crocus Bulbs are incredibly easy to plant and will add a great splash of colour to your garden. Read on to find out everything you need to know about planting crocus bulbs.

crocus flowers in spring

About Crocus Bulbs

Crocus bulbs will produce colourful flowers for around 3 weeks in Spring time. They will reach a height of 5-10cm (2-4’’). They are great for attracting pollinators like bees in Spring. Crocus bulbs can be grown in soil, pots, naturalised in grass and are perfect for borders.

Planting

You should plant crocus bulbs between September and November so they flower in Spring. To plant them:

  • Dig holes in moist but well drained soil, a few inches apart and 12.5cm deep (this should be 5’’ or 2-3 times their depth). 
  • You can apply a slow release fertiliser at this point
  • Plant in groups of around 10 or more
  • Make sure to plant them in either full sun or part shade
  • You do not need to soak crocus bulbs before planting them

Caring For

To properly care for you crocus bulbs, follow these steps:

  • Water thoroughly and regularly once the shoots have emerged
  • Apply a slow release fertiliser at the planting stage or liquid fertiliser after shoots have emerged for the best blooms
  • If naturalised in grass, do not cut your lawn until the flowers have died
  • They will spread and multiply by themselves however you can do this by hand to manually spread them to a new location by digging them up in autumn and moving them. 
  • If properly cared for, crocus bulbs can last for 5 years
  • Crocus bulbs are hardy so can be left in the ground all year round after they have finished flowering.

Common Issues With Crocus Bulbs

  • Rot – occurs when the bulbs are planted too deep
  • Emerging unevenly or spindly – this usually occurs if the bulb is planted too shallow
  • Old bulbs – Old bulbs can still be planted as long as they are firm
  • Overcrowding – If your bulbs are overcrowding or appearing in groups that are too thick, dig them up in autumn and spread them out
  • Wilting – this will occur if the crocus’ need watering
  • Not growing – this could be due to squirrels eating the crocus’
  • Toxicity – they are toxic to pets and humans so be careful!
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