Crocus

Crocus species

Plants of Home and Garden

Plant bulbs in fall, about 2" deep, good light to partial shade, well-drained soil essential. Lift corms every three to four years, late summer to fall, replant; may be divided at this time. Can also start from seed, planted 1/8" deep, when ripe; very slow to germinate. Many species naturalize well in grass. Zones 3-9

Crocus laevigatus will come up, bloom during winter, with mild spells. Give sunny but sheltered location. Divide clumps in late summer; hardy zones 5-8

Note that Colchicum autumnale is incorrectly known as the autumn crocus. True autumn crocuses are grown as other Crocus species, though typically in full sun, excepting Crocus banaticus, which prefers some shade. Crocus sativus, the saffron crocus, falls in this group, and is described in detail under Herbs. Zones 3-8