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CrocusCrocus neapolitanus Family Iridaceae - Iris Family Crocus originated in Europe and has become a very popular spring flowering bulb in gardens. It is quite variable, the colors mainly blue, yellow and white with many variations. The name originated from Greek - krokos, which means saffron. The species crocus sativus serves as the source of saffron. Crocus grows only about three or four inches tall, so it is definitely for the border, or the front of flower beds. It is usually one of the first flowers to appear in the spring, usually in March here in southeastern Indiana. There are autumn flowering varieties, though I have never tried them. Crocus is a reliably perennial spring flowering bulb here in Indiana with very few problems. The bright, funnel shaped flowers are a true harbinger of spring. Crocus flowers do not grow from a true bulb, rather a plant part called a corm. The corms are planted in the fall, usually from August on. They are planted about two to three inches deep, root side down. Propagation of crocus is easy, provided you do a bit of preparation first. When the flowers are blooming in the spring, mark their location with a stake or wooden plant label. You may also want to photograph them and indicate on the label the color and photograph number, if you used a digital camera. When the foliage dies down, dig the corms. They can be a bit tricky to find as the bulbs are tiny – about a half to three quarters of an inch in diameter. Once dug, place the crocus bulbs in a cool, dry area, spread out on newspaper or similar material. Once the bulbs are dry, store them in a mesh bag, old nylon stocking, or similar material which allows them to breath. Do not store in closed plastic bags. Crocus has become one of the more popular perennial spring flowering bulbs. The variety and brightness of color is a welcome sight after many months of drab winter landscape. |
