Close shot of 3 purple crocuses with yellow centers and 2 or 3 yellow crocus flowers

How to Grow Crocus Bulbs

Updated on Dec 08, 2023
By Baillie Blankenship

Crocus are a member of the Iris family, Iridaceae. These small, cold-hardy corms produce delicate and enchanting blooms. They are among the first flowers to peek through the soil in early spring, a sign warmer weather is soon to come. Autumn crocus blossoms close out the growing season and are one of the last flowers to bloom as we put our gardens to rest for the winter.

 

HISTORY

The origin of the crocus dates back to 300 BC. It is believed to have first appeared in Turkey and Greece.  

Crocuses are indigenous to the Mediterranean, Central and South Europe, North Africa, China, and the Middle East.  

USES

  • Planted in perennial beds (zones 6-9), containers, and along borders. 
  • Saffron crocus boast beautiful autumn blooms and the prized saffron stigmas, harvested for seasoning.
Intense purple crocus flowers with bee, seen from aboveIntense purple crocus flowers with bee, seen from above

 

  • Plant in early fall, 6-8 weeks before your predicted first frost.
  • Choose a location in full sun with rich, well-draining soil.
  • Plant your corms 3-4 inches deep and spaced about 4 inches apart. 
Close up of white Jeanne D'Arc crocus flower bright orange center and a pale purple stripe on one petalClose up of white Jeanne D'Arc crocus flower bright orange center and a pale purple stripe on one petal

 

  • Autumn crocus generally bloom 6-8 weeks after being planted, but sometimes they may wait until the second year to bloom.
  • The infamous and coveted spice, saffron, can be harvested by collecting the three red stigma from the Saffron Crocus flowers.
  • Spring crocus are among the first flowers to bloom in early spring.
  • Dig up and separate corms every 4-6 years to prevent overcrowding.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • NOTE: Only the red Saffron Crocus stigmas are edible. Leaves, flowers, and corms of crocus are considered poisonous if ingested!
Close up of violet-colored saffron crocus, with the three bright orange yellow stigmas, known as saffron threads, which are collected and dried as a spice.Close up of violet-colored saffron crocus, with the three bright orange yellow stigmas, known as saffron threads, which are collected and dried as a spice.

  

  • Crocus corms are hardy and will perennialize in zones 6-9.
  • In colder climates corms must be dug up and stored indoors for winter.
  • Before the ground freezes, gently dig up crocus corms and store in a container with sand or dry peat moss.
  • Keep in a cool dry location until the following spring.
Close shot of yellow and purple crocus flowersClose shot of yellow and purple crocus flowers