How to Grow Crocus?

Arrival
When your DutchGrown crocuses arrive and you cannot plant them straight away, it is important to store them properly: unpack them immediately and place them in a dry area with plenty of air circulation where the temperature is between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit .

Garden and container planting
Like all flower bulbs, crocuses need a cold period to develop their roots and prepare for spring. So as soon as you feel the first autumn chill in the air, it’s time to plant. If you live in hardiness zone 9 or higher, the soil won’t get cold enough for the root development process, but you might consider forcing it.

Crocuses are tough biscuits that are easy to grow, but one thing they hate is getting their feet wet: a crocus bulb that’s “bathed” in water will rot in no time. So be sure to avoid wet ground – i.e. places where you can still see puddles 5-6 hours after a rain shower. Another thing you can do is augment potentially soggy soil by adding organic matter like peat, bark, or manure. When it comes to planting flower bulbs in containers, the mantra is exactly the same: drain-drain-drain. Get a pot or box with at least some drainage holes in the bottom.

Crocuses need the sun to grow, but while they love to bask in their glory all day long, they can also thrive very well in locations with dappled shade or scattered sunlight.

Crocuses need to be planted deep enough so they are not affected by temperature fluctuations above ground, be it too warm or too cold. Unfortunately, containers can’t protect bulbs as well as Mother Earth. So if you live in hardiness zones 3-7, you may be better off wintering your containers indoors, in a cool, dark, well-ventilated spot where this isn’t the case. no warmer than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, such as an unheated basement or garage.

The standard way to calculate the ideal depth is to dig a hole three times as deep as the bulb is tall and place the bulb pointed end down. Because crocuses grow less well when they’re fighting their peers for nutrients, it’s best to plant them 3 inches apart.

In order for the bulbs to settle and root quickly, it is important to water them well after planting, but you do not need to water them again afterwards. Now all you have to do is patiently wait for winter to work its magic underground and spring to surprise you with the fruits of your labour.

You generally do not need to water your crocuses during the flowering period, but you can water them if there has been no rain for 3-5 days.

When the crocuses have faded, do not cut off the leaves immediately: through photosynthesis, the leaves produce nutrients that the bulb needs for the next growing season. After a few weeks, the foliage will automatically yellow and die, then you can remove it. Now the bulb will go into dormancy and will not need to be watered again until next spring.

How to plant crocuses in your garden:
Wait until the ground is 60 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. In the north this is in September or October, in the south in October or November.
Choose a spot in your yard that has well-drained soil and gets full sun or partial shade.
Plant the crocus bulbs about 2-3 inches deep and 3 inches apart and place them in the soil with their pointed ends up.
Water well and wait for spring
After the crocuses have bloomed, do not cut off the foliage. Leave until completely wilted and yellow, then remove.