How to Grow Snow Crocus
Snow crocuses are aptly named, as they are the earliest of spring flowers.
Crocus plants can be found bursting into bloom, while snow is still on the
ground. These hardy flowers will begin to grow with a warm spell in late
winter or early spring. If it snows again before they bloom, or during bloom,
that's okay. They will be unharmed. It only takes a few days growth to blossom
into the first bright colors of the year. While many of us think of them
as early spring bloomers, some varieties of Crocus will bloom in the
fall.
Natives of Southern Europe and Asia, Crocuses are as popular in other parts
of the world, as they are in your own back yard. Their early blooms brightens
up the landscape around the world with white, yellow, blue, and light orange
flowers above thin grass-like leaves. These small plants grow just 3-4 inches
tall. Best of all, they are easy to grow and very prolific.
While many people refer to them as bulbs, Crocus plants actually grow from
corms, a bulb-like stem.
Not only are crocuses good flowers in the garden, they make good houseplants.
You can easily force Snow Crocus to bloom indoors. Learn how to
Force Bulbs.
Did you know? The word "Crocus" is Latin for Saffron. Knowing this,
it should not surprise you that Saffron comes from the stigma of the Saffron
Crocus. But, it takes thousands of flowers to get an ounce of Saffron.
Propagation:
 Crocus are
grown from corms, a bulb-like stem. The mother corm will produce several
baby corms, then usually die in the same year. The new corms can be dug up
and separated to be replanted. Make sure to mark and keep colors separate,
if you want to create a design or look in the new bed.
How to Grow Crocus Plants:
 Plant crocuses
singly, or in groups. We do not recommend planting a large number of them
close together, as they will rapidly multiply. In a year or two, that small
group will become a major clump of attractive plants, regardless of how many
you plant together. Fortunately, Crocus tolerates overcrowding.
Plant Crocus corms in the fall. Select a sunny location where the soil is
not too wet or soggy over winter and during spring. Most importantly, select
a spot where you can see them from a window of your house. You don't want
to miss the first show of the year!
First work the soil, adding compost to provide a rich bed for growth. Mix
into the soil a generous portion of bulb fertilizer. Plant corms singly,
or in groups as desired. These small corms can be planted using a trowel,
a bulb planter, or just pushing them into soft soil to the proper depth of
about 2 inches from the top of the corm. Add a thin (not thick) layer of
mulch on top if desired.
Insects, Pests, and Disease:
 Crocuses
are resistant to insects and disease. But, squirrels like to snack on newly
planted corms. If you have squirrels in the neighborhood, provide some protection
for your helpless corms! You can cover the area with a screen until winter
snow arrives. Or, you can spray the area with a repellent.
More Information:
Flower Gallery lots of pictures.
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