Crocuses

Friday, March 14 2003 @ 10:58 AM

Natives of Southern Europe and Asia Crocuses often burst into bloom while snow is still on the ground. These hardy flowers will begin to grow with a warm spell in late winter or early spring taking just a few days growth to blossom into the first bright colors of the year.

Flower colours include white, yellow, blue, and light orange while the leaves are thin grass-like. These small plants grow just 3-4 inches tall. Easy to grow. Make good houseplants. "Crocus" is Latin for Saffron. Saffron comes from the stigma of the Saffron Crocus. But, it takes thousands of flowers to get an ounce of Saffron. Back to Spring Flowering Bulbs

Propagation: Crocus are grown from corms, a bulb-like stem. The mother bulb will produce several baby corms, then usually die in the same year. The new corms can be dug up and separated to be replanted.

How to Grow: Plant crocuses singly or in groups. It is not necessary or recommended to plant large number of them close together as they will rapidly multiply. In a year or two, that small group will become a major clump. Crocus tolerate overcrowding well. Plant in the fall in a sunny location where the soil is not too wet or soggy in the spring. Work the soil, adding compost to provide a rich bed for growth. Mix into the soil a generous portion of bulb fertilizer. plant to a depth of about 2 inches from the top of the corm. Add a thin layer of mulch on top if desired.

Insects, Pests, and Disease: Crocuses are resistant to insects and disease. But, squirrels like to snack on newly planted corms.

http://www.mygardenpatch.com/20030314105812695.htm