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Crocus Planting Guide
The arrival of spring is marked by several things, including the sound of birds chirping and the scent of fresh-cut grass. However, when we think of spring, visions of glorious Crocus blooms emerging from the ground come to mind. Not only are they one of the first heralds of spring, but Crocuses are also easy to grow, inexpensive, resistant to critters, and happy to naturalize into large patches. These charmers come in nearly every color shade imaginable and can even flower through late winter snow! Discover just how easy it is to care for these blooming beauties with this simple guide!
Success Snapshot

PLANTING
DEPTH
3"

WATER
QUANTITY
Moderate; Low in dormancy

SUNLIGHT
QUANTITY
Full Sun

PLANTING
PROXIMITY
3" Apart

BLOOM
SEASON
Late Winter - Early Spring

HARDINESS
ZONES
Zones 3-8
Shop Related Products

Crocus Large Flowering Mix
$39.95
Contains: 60 Crocus bulbs mixed
Botanical Name: Crocus
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Crocus Chrysanthus Goldilocks
$8.95
Contains: 20 Crocus bulbs
Botanical Name: Crocus chrysanthus 'Goldilocks'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Crocus vernus King of the Stripes
$10.95
Contains: 20 Crocus bulbs
Botanical Name: Crocus vernus 'King of the Stripes'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3 - 8

Crocus Sativus (Saffron Crocus)
$19.95
Contains: Saffron Crocus bulbs
Botanical Name: Crocus sativus
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Crocus Chrysanthus Cream Beauty (Fragrant)
$8.95
Contains: 20 Crocus bulbs
Botanical Name: Crocus chrysanthus 'Cream Beauty'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Crocus Chrysanthus Mix
$24.95
Contains: 60 Crocus bulbs mixed
Botanical Name: Crocus chrysanthus
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Crocus Ruby Giant (Fragrant)
$6.95
Contains: 20 Crocus bulbs
Botanical Name: Crocus tommasinianus 'Ruby Giant'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Crocus Chrysanthus Prins Claus
$10.95
Contains: 20 Crocus bulbs
Botanical Name: Crocus chrysanthus 'Prins Claus'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-8

Crocus vernus Flower Record
$19.95
Contains: 20 Crocus bulbs
Botanical Name: Crocus vernus 'Flower Record'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Where to Plant
Whether you're planting in containers or garden beds, Crocuses perform best in locations where the soil drains well, and they will receive full to half-day sun. They will not thrive in waterlogged soil, so if you notice water puddles 5β6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material.
When to Plant
Plant your Crocus bulbs before the ground freezes in the fall. The roots will begin to form shortly after planting, and in warm regions, some foliage may also develop in the fall. You can expect buds and flowers to be produced in the early spring.
How to Plant
- For container planting, find a large container with adequate drainage holes and fill it with good quality, well-draining soil. Almost any commercially available potting mix will do the trick. Dig holes and plant the bulbs 3" deep and 2β3" apart, depending on the variety, with the pointed end facing up. Site your Crocuses where they will receive full to half-day sun.
- For outdoor landscape planting, select a spot with well-drained soil where your Crocuses will receive full to half-day sun. Dig holes and plant the bulbs 3" deep and 2β3" apart, depending on the variety, with the pointed end facing up.
- Water thoroughly to soak the soil and settle it around the bulbs.
How to Grow
- Water as needed during active growth periods without waterlogging the soil. About 1" of water per week is a reasonable estimate.
- Add fertilizer in early autumn if your region experiences short, warm springs or in late winter in areas with long and temperate springs.
- Apply a layer of mulch to garden beds before winter and remove in late February so the blooms can poke through.
- Leave the foliage in place at the end of the blooming season rather than trim it off. The leaves will gather sunlight to create food through photosynthesis, strengthening the bulbs for the future.
- Remove the foliage when the leaves turn yellow and die back as the plant slips into dormancy.
Crocus Tips & Tricks
- Overwinter your container-planted Crocuses in an unheated garage to help mitigate the effects of both very cold nights and major temperature swings. Bring them back outside in February or March and watch for sprouts to appear.
- Amend soil with organic material to raise the level 2β3" and improve drainage. Compost, fine-ground bark, or composted manure all work a charm and are widely available.
- Plant bulbs on their sides if you're having trouble discerning which side should face up. Don't worryβthe roots will direct the bulbs into the correct position.