How to Plant Crocuses

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (20 Ratings)

Crocuses are among the earliest spring-blooming bulbs, often popping up through snow in cold-winter areas. Here's how to plant crocus bulbs so your garden is the first to announce the coming of spring.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Bulb Fertilizers
  • Bulb Planters
  • Flower Bulbs
  • Garden Hoses
  • Garden Trowels
  • Shovels

Step1
Select varieties and types by flower color, form and bloom time.
Step2
Purchase high-quality bulbs, free of bruises or soft spots.
Step3
Arrange for delivery, or make your purchase, so you can plant in fall.
Step4
Select a sunny planting location.
Step5
Prepare the soil, if necessary, by incorporating ample organic matter. Soil preparation is not always necessary if drainage is good.
Step6
Dig holes 2 to 3 inches deep. If you are planting a lot of crocuses, dig shallow trenches. Leave 2 to 4 inches between bulbs.
Step7
Add bulb fertilizer to the bottom of the hole and roughly mix it into the soil.
Step8
Place the crocus bulb in the hole, pointed side up, root side down. The bottom of the bulb should rest firmly on the bottom of the hole.
Step9
Water the bulbs thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

  • Crocuses can be planted under many deciduous trees. They will bloom before the trees leaf out and shade the planting area.
  • There are many helpful tools specifically designed for planting bulbs. Some make perfect holes by removing small cylinders of soil. An auger-like tool can be attached to electric drills. Bulb planters are particularly useful when planting a lot of bulbs.
  • There are several species of crocuses to choose from, varying in color, flower form and time of bloom. Most bloom very early in spring.
  • Crocuses are easy to grow in small pots.
  • Plant crocuses in front of beds and near walkways where they can be seen.
  • Avoid buying bargain bulbs; they often disappoint.

Comments

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pattijo said

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on 2/16/2007 I know ideally you are supposed to plant bulbs in the fall....but what if I just purchased bulbs...crocus...daffodils and tulips....and they are already sprouting in the bag. It is mid-February in NE Washington state. Any suggestions? Thanks...Patti Jo

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on 1/26/2007 I live in a cooler climate, hot in the summer. Right now it is in the 30's in the night and 40's to 60 in the day. What type of weather should I plant in? Do deers like to eat this plant?

Thanks...patti200_98@yahoo.com

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eHow Article:  How to Plant Crocuses

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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