Plant Crocus in October for March Bloom

Crocuses, as well as the many other spring-flowering bulbs, may be planted during October. Whenever possible, though, plant bulbs soon after purchase. Fall planting of bulbs is essential, as they should not be saved for spring planting. The crocus is a member of the iris family. The part we plant is not a true bulb, but actually a structure known as a corm, the same structure produced by a gladiolus. These corms are commonly referred to as bulbs.

Crocuses may be planted in many locations in the landscape: lawns, flower borders, rock gardens or around trees. They should be planted in rich soil with good drainage, because they cannot survive locations where there may be occasional standing water. Their grass-like leaves are produced in the spring and should be allowed to die naturally before they are cut off. When planted in lawn areas, they should not be mowed off with the grass. When leaves are cut too soon, the plants will be weakened and not bloom in later years. If one wants crocuses in lawn areas, new bulbs should be added yearly to maintain an adequate display.

More than 70 species of crocuses have been found, but most of these are unavailable for garden planting. The Dutch types are popular. These develop large flowers in many colors: blue, purple, yellow, white or striped. Other species are sometimes available for earlier bloom, but many of them have smaller flowers. Since a single crocus is fairly small, the best display comes from many bulbs planted close together. Space them about 3 to 4 inches apart with a dozen or more of one kind in an area.

When planting any bulbs so close together, it is easier to work up the entire area rather than dig individual holes for each bulb. Plant crocuses 2 to 4 inches deep. In heavy soils, a 2-inch depth is usually adequate, while in loose and sandy soils, a depth of 3 to 4 inches is best. In locations where there is frequent freezing and thawing, especially in clay soils, the planting should be mulched. Shallow planting or no mulch allow corms to be heaved out of the ground. Check plantings during the winter and spring to make sure that this has not happened. Any visible corms should be placed back beneath the soil. Usually, if they have not been exposed too long, they will survive.

Crocuses may also be grown for flowering indoors by potting bulbs in October. Use about 6 corms per pot. During development, they must be kept cool. This may be done most easily by placing the potted bulbs in a trench outdoors which is then filled with peat moss, straw or sawdust. After Christmas, the pots may be brought indoors and placed in a cool room for several weeks. When color shows, they may be brought into a warmer room for display.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crocus