Crocus bulbs planting instructions

Crocus summary

Height:	8-12cm
Spread:	5-8cm
Time to plant Crocus bulbs	September to October
Crocus bulbs flowering period	February to April

Crocus bulbs planting instructions

Well-drained soil with organic matter

Before planting your crocus bulbs, ready the soil, if necessary, by mixing in ample organic matter. Soil preparation isn’t always necessary if drainage is good. If crocus bulbs are left sitting in water, they will rot.

Shallow fertilzed holes

Dig holes 2 to 3 inches deep. If you are planting lots of crocuses, dig shallow trenches. Leave 2 to 4 inches between bulbs. Add bulb fertilizer to the bottom of the hole and mix it into the soil. Place each crocus bulb in the hole with the pointed side up and the root side down. The bottom of the bulb should rest firmly on the bottom of the hole. Once in position, water your crocus bulbs thoroughly.

Plant in late summer

Crocus bulbs can be purchased and planted in the late summer through to late autumn for spring blooming. For autumn blooming crocuses, plant bulbs in late summer. New plants can also be obtained through division.

Full sun

Plant your crocus bulbs in full sun to light (dappled) shade.

Crocus maintenance instructions

Divide directly after foilage has withered to revive

If your crocus bulbs stop flowering so healthily after a couple years, you may need to dig them up and divide them to encourage full blooms. The best time to divide your crocus plants is just as the foliage has completely yellowed and died.

Protect you Crocuses against squirrels

Healthy crocus bulbs don’t have many disease or pest problems. However, squirrels are partial to newly-planted crocuses and will sometimes dig them up and eat them. You can protect your crocus bulbs buy planting them under a wire mesh.