Crocuses add touches of colour to forests and gardens at the end of winter and the beginning of spring, but do you know how to plant, grow and care for crocuses? These small plants appear suddenly after the cold of winter and die back early, leaving space for plants that grow later alongside them.
The crocuses that bloom in spring grow from a small bulb, with narrow leaves that have a pale stripe along them. They die back to survive underground during the dry summer in their natural habitats: the meadows, hills and mountains of Europe, North Africa, Turkey and Central Asia, and yes, we have them in Ibiza too.
How and when to plant bulbs
At Eiviss Garden you can find crocus bulbs, also known as Crocus. The main requirements for most crocuses are a sunny position and soil that is not waterlogged. They are bulbs and it is advisable to plant them beneath deciduous shrubs, around trees, among herbaceous perennials or in a pot.
They can be planted in autumn or early winter. Plant them about 5-7 cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards. The large bulbs of Dutch hybrids can be planted even deeper. If you have not planted them deep enough, crocus bulbs develop contractile roots that push them down until they reach the correct depth.
How to grow crocus in the lawn
Lightly break up the soil surface and carefully push in the bulbs. Then put the soil or turf back on top. When you grow crocuses in a lawn, the grass can be cut in mid- to late spring.
It can take time to achieve a carpet of crocuses, but if you plant self-seeding species, you can enjoy the results after a few years. Tommasinianus and Chrysanthus are excellent for this.
The easiest crocus to grow
Tommasinianus: This Balkan species is one of the earliest crocuses to flower. It is excellent for naturalising in the lawn, where it will form a carpet of colour. The flowers are affectionately known as 'Tommies'.
Juana de Arco: One of the popular Dutch large-flowered hybrid crocuses, with bright white flowers marked with purple feathers on the outside. Inside the flower there is a frilled orange stigma.
