did you know?

A Macedonian battle of 352 A.D. is known as the Battle of the Crocus Field, evidence of the ubiquity of crocuses in Mediterranean countries in the Dark Ages.

pests/diseases:

Squirrels may eat bulbs.

controls:

Plant in very gravelly soils to deter digging pests. To protect against squirrels, plant corms in wire cages.

how to sow/plant:

In fall, about 6 weeks before the ground freezes, plant in lawn or beds. To prepare beds (using a digging fork to avoid damaging nearby tree roots), turn soil to a depth of 6 inches, and rake smooth. Set corms 3 inches deep and 3?4 inches apart. Unless soil is very dry, there is no need to water upon planting. For a naturalized look, toss a handful of corms on the ground and plant, separating any that land too close together.

water and fertilize:

After the ground freezes in winter, mulch beds with evergreen boughs to protect from thawing. Monitor soil moisture during active growth.

garden hint:

For an early spring display, plant crocuses in the lawn; by the time the lawn is ready for the first spring mowing, the bulbs have stored enough nutrients for next year and it's safe to cut back bulb foliage. To force, pot bulbs in soil so bulb is covered and 1/2 inch below pot rim. Water well, and put pot in coldframe or refrigerator for 12–15 weeks. Bring out of cold and place in sunny window. Compost bulbs after bloom.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Frost Tolerant

garden uses:

• Flowerbed borders
• Forcing
• Naturalizing
• Rock Garden

other uses:

combine with:

windflower daffodils snow crocus or other early-blooming crocuses.