Information About Crocus Bulbs
Crocus flowers appear from March to April in a wide range of colors, from white to yellow and shades of purple, with solid and striped varieties. The bulbs grow best in well-drained, sandy loam but tolerate many soil types. They prefer a sunny location but will tolerate partial shade. The flowers will not open in full shade.
Tips for Propagating Crocus Bulbs
Crocus bulbs must be dug up for division when they have gone dormant after the first frost in the fall. When you dig up crocus bulbs for propagation, be sure to dig far enough out so that you do not cut into the bulbs, and deep enough so that you can gently lift them out of the ground. Once lifted, you can gently separate the offsets for replanting elsewhere. So, what are crocus offsets? Crocus offsets are new bulbs that form around the original bulb. The mother bulb creates offsets from buds within the base. Crocus bulbs also develop tiny seed bulbs, called bulbils, which develop underground.
How to Propagate Crocus Flowers from Bulb Divisions
Crocus bulbs will produce smaller flowers if they are crowded and should be divided every five years. The following steps will help with propagating crocus bulbs after digging and separating them:
Protecting Your Crocus Bulbs from Pests
Newly planted crocus bulbs are a treat for squirrels, chipmunks, and other marauding pests. You can protect your bulbs by placing wire mesh over the area before laying your mulch to prevent animals from being able to dig up the bulbs.
