Dutch Crocus growing guide

Botanical Name: Dutch: Crocus vernus. Snow: C. chrysanthus. ‘Firefly’: C. sieberi subsp. sublimiss. ‘Zwanenberg’: C. etruscus.
Family: Iridaceae
Plant Type: Corm
Size (HxW): 5-12cm x 5-8cm
Depth & Spacing: Plant 5-10cm under the soil surface and space the same distance apart. In areas with milder winters, plant the bulbs 12cm deep (three times the height of the bulb) to keep them cooler. If they are planted too deeply it may delay flowering. We think they look best when planted in little groups – three to a hole makes a nice display.
Soil: Thrives in humus rich, moist, well drained soil. In heavy soils it is best to add a layer of grit to help protect them from sitting in water where they could rot.
Aspect: Full sun to semi shade - the flowers only open with sun so it is important they are planted in it. On cloudy days they will remain closed.
Climate: Cool to Mediterranean. Crocus prefer cool soils, so will grow best in areas with cool to cold winters. They can be grown in areas with milder winters provided they are planted in a cool position with a southerly aspect, or in pots, so they can be moved to cool areas in the heat.
Frost: Hardy
Water: Water in to establish, then only if rainfall is low during active growth. Keep relatively dry during dormancy.
Fertiliser: A light sprinkling of a well balanced fertiliser late winter or spring to keep them flowering at their best. They aren’t heavy feeders.
Flowering Time: Late winter to early spring.
After Flower Care: Leave foliage until it browns off - this is when the leaves are feeding the new corm/s and creating next year’s flowers. They will naturalise in the right conditions and only need lifting when they become overcrowded (you will know it is time when they don’t flower as well – you can then dig and divide in early autumn).
Notes: Keep the new foliage protected from snails - they find it delicious! These flowers are only 10cm high; keep this in mind when deciding on the planting position; good options include the front of beds, lawn plantings or pots. They work well in pots they just need extra care with water and fertiliser - potting mix is perfectly drained so will dry out quickly which can damage the life cycle of the bulb, it is important to water them regularly.

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