Crocus flowers bloom in early spring, very often providing a first showing of their flowers through the snow. That is why they are so popular among flower lovers. It is an extremely pleasant sight to see these yellow, gold, orange, white, pink, purple and blue flowers after a long winter break from such colours. And of course, once you see these first blooms you know that spring is on its way!
Often it is an object of a gardener's pride as Crocus flowers are so beautiful and ornamental, and they bring a splash of various colors to every place they grow.
It is not too difficult to take care of these plants, and you will get the idea of whether you are growing them correctly from the presence or absence of flowers.
If crocus are planted in the wrong place, and do not get proper lighting and watering, their leaves and roots become an easy target for pests with the result of no flowers.
Planting Crocus flowers
First of all, you should plant Crocus in the areas that have indirect sunlight. That means it should be bright enough for the plant to absorb the light, but at the same time the location should not be exposed to the heat of the sun which would definitely result in dryness of the soil.
It is not recommended to plant Crocus on the northern side of a building. Crocus is a bulb plant and it is therefore important to remember that during planting you need to put bulbs into holes in the soil that are twice the depth of the length of the bulbs.
Soil
The soil needs to be well drained but at the same time moist enough to supply enough water to the roots of the plant.
It is highly advisable to mix the soil with little quantities of sand – it would be provide perfect conditions for this plant.
As in the case of many other plants, after a few years the soil loses nutrients which are absolutely necessary for successful growth. It is advised to change the location of Crocus flowers bulbs every two or three years. New soil will have a better texture and will also have better characteristics for holding water.
Taking care of Crocus flowers
Crocus plants should be watered properly. Make sure you keep the soil wet during the spring and summer months. In autumn it is recommended to reduce watering a little, so the soil remains moist but not too wet. Dry soil will cause these plants to droop.
Crocus flowers are attractive to all sorts of unwanted insects and gardening pests which can damage different parts of the plants, including the leaves and flowers. Among the most common pests to protect Crocus from there are mealy bugs, scales, white flies and mites.
Fortunately it is comparatively easy to get rid of them, and for that you will need warm soapy water. Just wash the leaves with this soapy mixture, and the insects will not give you any trouble. Do not forget to clean the leaves from both sides. If necessary, do that a few times until there is no sign of unwanted insects and their activity.
Important thing to remember
Crocus flowers are a toxic plant, that is why you should make sure you keep them out of the reach of children, or that your children are properly instructed.
Obviously, to prevent negative consequences, avoid consuming any part of this plant.
Crocus flowers Grown in full sun to part sun and will reach 2 to 3 inches tall.
Varieties of Crocus Flowers
Autumn Crocus - Blue
Scientific Name: Crocus autumn blooming 'Blue'
Zone: 4-10
Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
Has pale lilac flowers with darker veins.
Fall blooming crocus are wonderful additions to autumn gardens.
Scientific Name: Crocus autumn blooming 'Gold' Zone: 4-10 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Autumn Gold Crocus, Crocus, has golden yellow flowers. Fall blooming crocus are wonderful additions to autumn gardens. Their blooms form lovely ... more
Scientific Name: Crocus autumn blooming 'Lilac' Zone: 4-8 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Autumn Crocus 'Autumn Lilac', Crocus,has pale lilac blooms edged in violet blue that form lovely chalice-shaped cups. Crocus are a wonderful addi... more
Scientific Name: Crocus autumn blooming 'Rose' Zone: 4-10 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Autumn Crocus 'Autumn Rose', Crocus, produces a deep rose-pink flower. Fall blooming crocus are wonderful additions to autumn gardens. Their blo... more
Scientific Name: Crocus autumn blooming 'Saffron' Zone: 4-10 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Saffron Crocus, Crocus species, is lilac colored with orange stems. This fall blooming crocus is a wonderful addition to autumn gardens. Their b... more
Scientific Name: Crocus autumn blooming 'White' Zone: 4-8 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Autumn Crocus 'Autumn White', Crocus, has stunning pure white flowers. Fall blooming Crocus are wonderful additions to the garden. Their blooms ... more
Scientific Name: Crocus giant 'Flower Record' Zone: 3-8 Sun: Full Sun - Partial Sun
"The Crocus 'Flower Record', 'Crocus giant', a fall planted bulb, produces a deep purple, shiny colored flower that will create a fantastic spring spe... more
Scientific Name: Crocus giant 'Jeanne d'Arc' Zone: 3-8 Sun: Full Sun - Partial Sun
"The Crocus 'Jeanne d'Arc', 'Crocus giant', fall planted bulb, is a brave winter-defying crocus that is gleaming virginal white, with a slight tinge o... more
Scientific Name: Crocus giant 'Assorted Colors' Zone: 3-8 Sun: Full Sun - Partial Sun
"The Crocus 'Assorted Colors', 'Crocus giant', is a fall planted bulb. The Crocus heralds of spring, and cheers up the garden after a dull and long wi... more
Scientific Name: Crocus giant 'Pickwick' Zone: 3-8 Sun: Full Sun - Partial Sun
"The Crocus 'Pickwick', 'Crocus giant', a fall planted bulb, is a profusely flowering Crocus with appealing violet flowers. Each bulb will produce fou... more
Scientific Name: Crocus giant 'Vanguard' Zone: 3-9 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Giant Crocus 'Vanguard', Crocus, has bi-color flowers of mauve and grayish-light mauve. These are jumbo size bulbs imported from Holland! Colorf... more
Scientific Name: Crocus flavus 'Yellow' Zone: 3-8 Sun: Full Sun - Partial Sun
"The Crocus 'Yellow', 'Crocus flavus', a fall planted bulb, is a classic golden-yellow variety that sparkles in the spring sunshine before anything el... more
Scientific Name: Crocus species 'Dorothy' Zone: 3-9 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Snow Crocus 'Dorothy', Crocus chrysanthus 'Dorothy', is golden yellow outside, darker inside. Snow crocus, also known as specie crocus, bloom be... more
Scientific Name: Crocus species 'Firefly' Zone: 3-9 Sun: Full Sun to Full Shade
"The Snow Crocus 'Firefly', Crocus chrysanthus 'Firefly', has violet petals with grayish veins, yellow throat. Snow crocus, also known as specie croc... more
Scientific Name: Crocus species 'Assorted Colors' Zone: 3-8 Sun: Full Sun - Partial Sun
"The Crocus 'Mixed Colors', 'Crocus species', is a fall planted bulb. The bright colors of the Crocus show up as soon as the snow has melted, announci... more