You can plant crocuses in the ground. How to grow crocuses: step by step instructions, from seeds, from seedlings, planting and care

Crocuses are small bulbs. It is these bulbs that are planted in open ground. The autumn version is the best. By planting a crocus in the fall, you can observe its flowering in the spring.

The autumn flower is very unpretentious, even if planted in partial shade. But here's the spring look. It should be planted best in well-lit areas.

The sun should be maximum, but the shadow is minimal. autumn view planted from late July to mid-August. If the plant is planted too late, then the first couple of years, it will not bloom. There will only be leaves. But the buds themselves will appear only after 2 years.

The only problem with the flower is waterlogging. Often, due to constant moisture, the root system begins to rot. Therefore, this cannot be allowed.

Flowering ends in autumn. The leaves dry up and fall off. At this point, you can transplant the crocus to another place. You can do it right away or dig up the bulbs.

Leaving them landing on next year. Be sure to sort out the bulbs and throw out the unusable ones. They should be stored at temperatures up to 22 degrees. If the flower grows well in this place, then you can not replant. It will be enough to remove sluggish and dry leaves on the stems.

Can I plant in the spring

You can plant crocuses in spring and autumn. It depends on the type of plant. It must be borne in mind that if the variety is autumn, then it must be planted only in the fall.

If the plant is spring, then planting is carried out in the spring. If you plant a variety incorrectly, then it may simply not take root or even sprout.

Landing steps:

1. Dig a small hole. For a large bulb, a hole up to 12 cm deep. For small, up to 6 cm.
2. Drainage or sand must be present in the ground. Then the earth will be looser and the air passable.
3. Bulbs are planted at least 3 cm apart from each other. This is enough if the gardener is not going to transplant the plant.
4. Lightly press the bulbs and cover with earth.
5. Water. Don't overdo it.
6. Wait for complete absorption. Cover with earth. Top with river sand.
7. From fertilizers better fit potassium and phosphorus.
8. In hot weather, water frequently. But only if the ground is dry. If moisture is present, then it should not.
9. By winter, crocuses are half covered with earth or covered with a film. This is done so that the flower survives the winter and delights in the spring with its beautiful flowering.

Popular spring views:

1. Reticulate.
2. Golden.
3. Adam.
4. narrow-leaved.
5. Two-flowered.

Popular autumn views:

1. Sowing.
2. Palace.
3. Sharoyan.
4. Banatsky.
5. Pretty.

How to land correctly

It is not necessary to be a great gardener and know everything about plants. The flower is unpretentious in care.

To properly plant a crocus, you need to know a few rules:

1. If the soil is clay, then sand must be added. You can also add fertilizers such as manure and compost.
2. Crocuses love soft, loose soil.
3. Do not allow waterlogging of the soil. The plant doesn't like it.
4. The landing site should be well lit by the sun. Then the flower will be large. If they grow in the shade, then they will be small.
5. Periodically feed and fertilize.
6. Fertilizers must contain phosphorus and potassium.

Small tubers of the plant are planted to a depth of 6 cm. But large plants are planted up to 12 cm deep. You don't need to plant very deep. It's useless. The root system during growth, itself deepens deep enough.

The soil should be light. Then the flower will feel comfortable.

Crocus Benefits:

1. Unpretentious in care.
2. Early flowering. Unlike other colors.
3. Bright flowers stand out from the background of others.
4. Flowers have a light, delicate scent.
5. Even a non-professional can plant them.
6. Bulbs can be stored for planting next year.
7. Crocuses reproduce themselves. With the help of seeds that they throw into the ground. Further, they form an onion. Which continues to grow.
8. Great for design.
9. They can be grown both in the garden and in a pot at home.

Feeding principles:

1. Organic food is not allowed.
2. Decayed manure, peat and other natural fertilizers.
3. Feed only in spring.
4. Top dressing is scattered on the surface around the flowers.
5. Top dressing after flowering. Potassium sulfate, phosphorus and potassium are great.

Frequently asked Questions

At what temperature should bulbs be stored?

Best of all, they are stored at 18-22 degrees. It is desirable that the room is ventilated.

What is the best fertilizer to use?

The composition of fertilizers must include potassium and phosphorus. They stimulate the plant, nourish, strengthen the root system, improve flowering.

How deep to plant crocuses?

It all depends on the size of the bulbs. Plant a small one to a depth of 5-6 cm. And large ones are already up to 12 cm. Burying deeper is not recommended. During growth, the root itself deepens.

Is it true that the crocus is not only beautiful flower, but also the main ingredient in cooking?

Yes this is true. He is well known in cooking. It is from it that the well-known seasoning, saffron, is extracted.

When is the best time to plant crocuses?

Autumn is the best time. Autumn flowers are less whimsical. They are also unpretentious in illumination. They can arrange penumbra. But spring crocuses are already more whimsical. They need more care. Especially when it comes to light.

Is it possible to feed crocus with organic fertilizers?

It is unacceptable. Organic fertilizers can damage root and plant growth itself. Instead of growing. The flower will slowly die.

Crocus (lat. Crocus), or saffron, forms a genus of herbaceous corm plants of the Iris family. In nature, saffron crocus grows in the steppes, forests and meadows of the Mediterranean, Central, Southern and Northern Europe, Asia Minor and Central Asia and the Middle East. Scientists have described about 80 species and 300 varieties of crocuses. The name "crocus" comes from the Greek word meaning "thread, fiber", and the word "saffron" - from the Arabic word, which translates as "yellow" - this is the color of the stigma of the crocus flower. Crocus is mentioned in Egyptian papyri - philosophers and doctors wrote about him. For modern flower growers, crocus is interesting in that it is one of the most beautiful primroses - early spring flowers. However, not everyone knows that there are many crocuses that bloom in autumn.

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Planting and caring for crocuses (in brief)

• Landing: spring-flowering species are planted in autumn, autumn-flowering - in summer.
• Bloom: spring species bloom 2-3 weeks in April, autumn - in September-October.
• Lighting: bright sunlight.
• The soil: permeable light loams, some species are comfortable even in heavy clay soils.
• Watering: will be needed only if there was no snow in winter, and rain in spring.
• Top dressing: full mineral fertilizer in the spring on the snow and potassium-phosphorus during flowering. Organics cannot be used.
• Reproduction: daughter bulbs, and spring species can be propagated by seeds.
• Pests: field mice, wireworms, aphids, thrips.
• Diseases: viral diseases, gray rot, fusarium, penicillosis, sclerocial rot.

Read more about growing crocuses below.

Growing crocuses - features

Crocus is a short plant, reaching a height of about 10 cm. Flattened or rounded bulbs of crocuses reach a diameter of 3 cm, they are dressed in scales and have a bunch of fibrous roots. The stem of crocuses does not develop. Narrow, linear, basal leaves appearing during or after flowering are collected in a bundle and covered with scales. Single goblet flowers of crocus with a diameter of 2 to 5 cm, white, cream, blue, lilac, purple, yellow or orange, blooming on a short leafless peduncle, surrounded by membranous scales. There are varieties of crocuses with a spotted or two-tone color. Mass flowering of crocuses lasts from two to three weeks. Types and varieties of crocuses are divided into 15 groups.

Planting crocuses in open ground

When to plant crocuses

Spring crocuses are planted in the ground in autumn, and autumn flowering in summer, choose a sunny site, although crocuses grow well in partial shade and even in the shade. The soil for growing crocuses is preferably light, dry, loose and nutritious. When preparing a site for crocuses, it is advisable to place fine gravel or coarse river sand in the soil for drainage. As an organic additive, compost, rotted manure or peat with lime are added to the soil for digging, since crocuses do not like acidic soils. AT clay soil bring in the ashes. For those species that do not tolerate wet soils, arrange high beds with crushed stone or gravel as a drainage layer. Planting material must be without flaws and damage.

In the photo: How crocuses bloom

Planting crocuses in autumn

To see the flowering of crocuses in spring, their bulbs are planted in open ground in September. Planting crocuses in loose soil involves planting the bulb to a depth twice its size. If the soil is heavy, then a depth of one size will suffice. The average distance between the bulbs is from 7 to 10 cm. After planting, the area is watered.

Do not thicken the planting, because in one place crocuses grow from 3 to 5 years, and during this time one bulb is overgrown with a whole colony of children, and the area with crocuses turns into a continuous carpet of flowers. After a five-year period, crocuses need to be planted.

Planting crocuses for distillation

Many flower growers yearn in winter without their favorite garden flowers, so even in winter time grow them in their apartment. The easiest way to grow a bouquet is from bulbs, including crocuses. For distillation, large-flowered Dutch varieties are most suitable. Bulbs of crocuses of approximately the same size are planted from five to ten pieces in shallow wide pots in order to get a whole bunch of primroses by the appointed time. The soil for crocuses planted in forcing should be neutral, loose, air and water permeable.

The cycle of autumn-flowering crocus usually begins in August with flowering, during which the growth of leaves and the formation of a replacement corm occurs. And they have a dormant period a month earlier than spring-flowering ones. Therefore, it is necessary to dig up bulbs of crocuses blooming in autumn, if such a need has arisen, from the beginning of June to mid-August.

Storing crocus bulbs

After being removed from the soil, crocus bulbs are dried in the shade, cleaned of soil, dead roots and scales, laid out in one layer in a box or box. The smallest bulbs can be laid out in candy boxes. Until August, the storage temperature should be at least 22 ºC, because a lower temperature will prevent the laying of flower buds. In August, the temperature is lowered to 20 ºC, and a week later to 15 ºC. But these are ideal storage conditions, which are created only in specialized farms. At home, before planting, crocus bulbs are sent for storage in a dark, dry place with room temperature and good ventilation.

In the photo: Growing crocuses in the garden

Types and varieties of crocuses

All varieties of crocuses are classified into 15 groups. The first group includes autumn-flowering crocuses, and the remaining 14 groups represent spring-flowering species and varieties of crocuses. The spring crocus species was the basis for many varieties and hybrids, most of which belong to the authorship of Dutch breeders. The most popular commercial varieties are classified as Dutch hybrids. Another group of commercial varieties popular in culture is Chrysanthus, which was formed by hybrids between golden crocuses, two-flowered and its hybrids. We offer you a brief introduction to these groups and their best varieties.

Spring flowering types of crocuses:

Crocus spring (Crocus vernus)

Grows up to 17 cm in height. The corm is flattened, covered with mesh scales, the leaves are narrow, linear, dark green with a longitudinal silvery-white stripe. Purple or white flowers with a long bell-funnel-shaped tube in the amount of one or two develop from one corm and bloom in the spring for about three weeks. In culture since 1561.

In the photo: Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus)

Two-flowered crocus (Crocus biflorus)

It is found in nature from Italy to Iran, as well as in the Caucasus and Crimea. It has a variety of natural forms: with flowers white color, lilac-blue with brown spots on the outer part of the petals, white with purple-brown stripes, white on the inside and purple-brown on the outside. The flowers are white or yellow.

In the photo: Two-flowered crocus (Crocus biflorus)

Crocus golden (Crocus chrysanthus)

It grows on the rocky slopes of the Balkans and Asia Minor. It reaches a height of 20 cm, its corm is spherical, but flattened, the leaves are very narrow, the flowers are golden-yellow in color with perianths that fold back, shiny from the outside. Some forms have brown stripes or tan marks on the outer side of the petals. Anthers orange, columns reddish. Blooms in April for three weeks. In culture since 1841. In floriculture, the following varieties are common:

• Blue Bonnet- flowers up to 3 cm long with pale blue perianth and yellow throat;
• Nanette- a variety with large yellow-cream flowers with purple stripes on the outside;
• I. G. Bowels- crocus with very large bright yellow flowers with inside and gray-brownish from the outside.

In the photo: Golden crocus (Crocus chrysanthus)

Crocus tomasini (Crocus tommasinianus)

Under natural conditions, it grows in deciduous forests and on the slopes of the hills of Hungary and countries former Yugoslavia. It has pink-lilac tepals, sometimes with a white border around the edge. The open flowers are star-shaped with a white throat. The flower tube is white. Up to three flowers up to 6 cm high develop from one corm. This species blooms in April for three weeks. Crocus Tomasini, one of the most popular species, has been cultivated since 1847. The most famous varieties:

• Lylek Beauty- wide open, almost flat flowers up to 3 cm in diameter with yellow anthers and oval-elongated narrow lobes lilac color on the outside and a lighter shade on the inside;
• Whitewell Purple- large, wide open, almost flat lilac-violet flowers up to 4 cm in diameter with narrow elongated lobes. White tube up to 3.5 cm long.

In the photo: Crocus Tommasini (Crocus tommasinianus)

In addition to those described, such spring-flowering crocuses are known in culture: narrow-leaved, reticulated, Crimean, Korolkov, Imperate, Sieber, yellow, Heufel, Ankirian, Alataevsky, Adam, Corsican, Dalmatian, Etruscan, Fleischer, Mal and the smallest.

Autumn blooming crocuses:

Crocus beautiful (Crocus speciosus)

Grows on the edges of forests in the mountainous regions of the Crimea, the Balkans and Asia Minor. Its leaves reach a length of 30 cm, lilac-purple flowers with longitudinal purple veins up to 7 cm in diameter bloom in early autumn. In culture since 1800. Known garden forms of this species with dark blue, white, light blue, lilac and light purple flowers. The best varieties:

• Albus- white-flowered variation with a cream-colored tube;
• Artabir- flowers of heaven blue color with bracts covered with dark veins;
• Oksinan- violet-blue flowers with a wide dark perianth and sharp, drawn out leaves.

In the photo: Beautiful Crocus (Crocus speciosus)

Crocus pretty (Crocus pulchellus)

Highly beautiful plant with light purple flowers in a dark strip, the diameter of which is from 6 to 8 cm, and the height is from 7 to 10 cm. On each plant, 5-10 flowers open in September or October. Crocus pretty is not afraid of light frosts.

Crocus banatsky (Crocus banaticus)

It grows in the Carpathians, Romania and the Balkans. The name was given in honor of the historical region of Banat, located in Romania. It has linear silver-gray leaves up to 15 cm long. Graceful light lilac flowers with yellow anthers rise 12-14 cm above the ground surface. The outer tepals are up to 4.5 cm long, the inner ones are narrower and two times shorter. Cultivated since 1629.

Autumn-flowering crocuses are also grown in the culture: beautiful, Pallas, hill, Sharoyan, Gulimi, hololithous, Kardukhor, medium, Cartwright, Kochi, trellised, medium, yellow-white and late.

In the photo: Banat Crocus (Crocus banaticus)

Dutch hybrids, or large-flowered crocuses are unpretentious and prolific spring-flowering plants, the flowers of which are on average twice as large as the flowers of the original species. The first varieties of Dutch hybrids appeared in 1897. Now there are already more than 50 of them, and they are divided into groups according to the color of the flowers. The first group includes varieties with pure white flowers or white with a spot of a different color at the base of each bract lobe. The second group combines varieties with purple, lilac and lilac color. The third represents varieties with a mesh or striped color of flowers with or without a spot at the base of the lobes. Hybrids bloom during May, flowering lasts from 10 to 17 days. We recommend you several varieties that grow well in our climate:

• Albion- white goblet flowers up to 4 cm in diameter with rounded lobes, with a tube up to 5 cm long in a rare purple stroke;
• vanguard- cup-shaped, open bluish-lilac flowers up to 4 cm in diameter with elongated oval lobes with small spots of a darker color at the base, with a bluish-lilac tube up to 4.5 cm long;
• Jubilee- goblet flowers of blue color with a barely noticeable purple-violet hue and with a clear light purple spot at the base of the lobes, as well as a narrow light border around the edge. The tube is light purple, up to 5.5 cm long;
• Sniper Banner- goblet flowers up to 4 cm in diameter with oval lobes of a reticulate color - a light grayish-lilac hue on the outside and with a densely lilac mesh on the inside. The lobes of the inner circle are a lighter shade than the lobes of the outer. At the base of the lobes there is a small but very distinct dark purple spot. Tube up to 4 cm long dark lilac;
• Kathleen Parlow- cup-shaped white flowers up to 4 cm in diameter with a short lilac stroke at the base of the inner lobes and with a white tube up to 5 cm long.

Chrysanthus

Spring flowering hybrids, in the formation of which golden crocuses participated, natural forms of two-flowered crocus and their hybrids. The flowers of plants of this group are not as large as the flowers of the "Dutch", but among the chrysanthus there are many varieties with yellow and bluish flowers. The most famous varieties:

• Gypsy Girl- cup-shaped, wide-open flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter, light yellow inside with a dark yellow throat, and yellowish cream outside. There is a small brown spot on the inside of the lobes. Cream-colored tube up to 3 cm long with dusty purple strokes;
• Marietta- wide open, almost flat flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter with oval narrow dark cream lobes with a yellow throat, outside at the base of the lobes of the outer circle, covered with thick dark lilac stripes, a greenish-brown spot. Tube up to 3 cm long, light gray-green;
• Lady Killer- cup-shaped, almost flat flowers up to 3 cm in diameter with oval elongated white lobes from the inside, the lobes of the inner circle are white on the outside, and the outer ones are dark purple with a white border and a small dark gray spot at the base. Bud purple, a tube up to 3 cm long of a dark purple-violet hue;
• Saturnus- wide open, flat flowers up to 3.5 cm in diameter with slightly elongated tops of the lobes of the outer circle. The color is yellowish-cream with a bright yellow throat. Outside, at the base there is a greenish-brown spot, the lobes of the outer circle are streaked with thick lilac strokes. The tube is grayish-green, up to 2.5 cm long.

In the photo: A clearing of crocuses

Of the latest achievements of breeders, the following varieties of chrysanthus are on sale: Ai Catcher, Miss Wayne, Parkinson, Skyline, Zwanenburg Bronze and others.

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It is best to start a conversation about the crocus flower with its definition. Crocuses belong to the genus of perennial undersized corm plants of the iris family. In the literature on decorative floriculture, the plant has the Latin name Crocus. Often it is called - saffron (see Wikipedia).

As soon as the snow begins to melt, the first harbingers of spring appear on the thawed patches - small-bulbous plants, and in the forefront - spring crocuses. Flowers bloom in early to mid-April after snowdrops and often before the first leaves appear.

The flowers look upwards, goblet-shaped with six petals. It blooms for a short time from a week to 20 days. And how much inspiration and joy they bring to our country life, when the first and beloved have not yet bloomed.

Spring crocuses - description and types

If crocuses are spring flowering, then their flowering begins from early April to May inclusive. With an understanding of what area the globe you reside. Spring saffron - herbaceous perennial bulbous plant reaches a height of 15 cm.

The aerial stem has no development. The leaves are dark green with a silvery longitudinal stripe.

Flower with a long tube, bell-funnel-shaped. The outer perianth lobes are up to 3.5 cm long. They are larger than the inner ones.

From one corm develops 1-2 flowers, yellow, purple or white, sometimes striped. The pharynx of the flower is pubescent. Anthers lemon yellow.

Types of spring crocuses

1. Alataevsky (Crokus alatavikus)

One bulb produces 1-3 flowers. The flower is white on the inside with a yellowish throat. Flower height 6-8 cm. Blooms in early April.

2. Spring (Crokus vernus)

The plant reaches a height of 17 cm. 1-2 flowers emerge from the bulb, purple or white, sometimes striped. Blossoms in spring 20-25 days. The parent corm is replaced annually by a new one.

3. Golden (Crokus chrysanthus)

The flowers are golden yellow, up to 20 cm high, sometimes they have tan marks or stripes on the outside. Blooms in April 15-20 days.

4. Narrow-leaved (Crokus angustifolius)

The plant is undersized, 15 cm high. It blooms almost simultaneously with golden crocus.

5. Reticulated (Crokus reticulatus)

From one bulb comes 2-4 flowers 6-10 cm high. It blooms in the first half of April for 25 days.

6. Large-flowered Dutch hybrids

They grow up to 15 cm in height. Very large flowers of various colors - from white and all shades of yellow to blue and dark purple. Let's consider some of them:

• Joan of Arc (white)

• Sky Blue (blue)

• Queen of Blue (light purple)

• Stripe Beauty (striped, purple and white)

Autumn crocuses and their types

When there are no longer any flowers around, the time comes for the flowering of autumn crocuses. They bloom from early September to late October. Common types:

• Beautiful

The height of the flower reaches 20 cm. The flowers are large with longitudinal veins on the goblet-shaped petals. Colors may vary, e.g. purple

or white

or purple.

• Dolinny

This is a small plant with medium-sized flowers, predominantly white.

Just like the beautiful crocus, it is unpretentious to growing conditions and does not require a special approach.

If they grow in the valleys, then suburban area they will feel good and comfortable.

How to plant and transplant a crocus flower

Crocus flower is an unpretentious frost-resistant plant. The place for its landing should be dry, well lit and warmed up enough by the sun.

Partial shade and planting under a tree is allowed.

Landing

For planting bulbs, you need light, nutritious, well-drained soil with the addition of sand and not a large number mature compost or old manure.

Acidic soils, wetlands and fresh manure are unacceptable. Plants tolerate mineral fertilizers well. The first top dressing is done in the snow in early spring, and the second - during flowering.

crocus plants, blooming in spring, you need to plant and replant in September-October, and blooming in autumn- in July-August. Planting depth depends on the size of the bulbs: large - 8-10 cm, medium - 4-6 cm, small and children - 2-3 cm.

The distance between the bulbs is from 5 to 10 cm. In one place, crocuses can grow for more than 5 years, but it is advisable to replant every 4 years to maintain the size of the flowers at the original level.

Crocuses can be planted under trees and bushes. As long as there are no leaves on these plants, crocuses will have enough light and time to bloom and form new bulbs. Then they will retire until next spring, and the light will be useless to them.

Plant bulbs are planted on rocky and alpine hills, in borders, in flower pots and containers.

Spring crocuses can also be planted on the lawn. Then in early spring, instead of a black, unattractive patch, a lovely flower garden will appear in place of the lawn, which will have time to fade by the time the lawn has to be mowed.

Together with crocuses on the lawn, you can also plant other early-flowering small-bulbous ones: galanthus, chionodlox, scilla (scylla), pushkinia.

The growing grass will cover the leaves of the faded bulbs, and when you need to mow the lawn in mid-May, the leaves of these flowers will already serve their purpose and can be mowed.

It is better to plant them interspersed, more or less evenly throughout the lawn. All these flowers, except for chionodoxa, grow rapidly, and they will have to be dug out of the lawn at least once every 3-4 years and planted or partially removed.

The easiest way to do this is while the grass has not yet begun to grow, that is, at the time of flowering or immediately after it, since at this time they tolerate the transplant well.

Transfer

From each flat-round bulb, several stems with one bud grow at once, and a small flowering bouquet opens.

About 10-12 days after flowering, the bulbs can be dug up, sorted out and planted, although this will have to be done every 3-4 years, as they grow very quickly. Otherwise, the bulbs will begin to shrink, and the flowering will weaken.

Both plants and bulbs are planted in sand, poured on fertile soil with a neutral response. Therefore, when planting in the sand, ash should be added, about 1 teaspoon under the bulb.

Do not rush to do spring fertilizing with nitrogen. Although crocuses and cold-resistant plants can withstand frosts down to 6 degrees, nevertheless, feed them after flowering with a complete mineral fertilizer, such as azofoska (2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer per 10 liters of water, use 10 square meters of planting).

When transplanting, the roots of the bulbs are slightly cut off.

reproduction

Corms and babies need to be dug up after the leaves turn yellow in June-July.

For mass reproduction, this can be done annually, since several new corms and babies are formed in place of the old bulb every season.

Video on how to plant crocuses correctly in open ground

Care and control of diseases of saffron flower bulbs

Crocus bulbs (saffron) have the possibility of infection with viruses. which carry ticks, aphids. thrips.

Whitish spots appear on the buds, the leaves are deformed, stretching and twisting at the ends. sick plant it is better to destroy, but viruses do not pass to seeds.

In warm and damp weather, the corm is affected fungal diseases. White and pink spots appear under the shell of the bulb, it becomes soft and does not germinate after planting.

Such bulbs must be destroyed, and the rest before planting need to be disinfected in any way possible.

Yellowing of the leaves signals bulb damage, poor drainage, and improper growing conditions.

Crocuses are not particularly sick, but they have dangerous enemies - mice. Leave bait for them before the crocuses bloom. Either scatter coriander (cilantro) or anise seeds or special top dressing among plantings<<Шторм>> or<<Форет>>. This is if you don't have cats.

If there are cats, then there should be no mice.

Crocuses belong to the Iris family. These are bulbous perennial herbs, unique in their properties, application and beauty. One of the first to bloom in spring, has long been considered a symbol of love and youth. Planting crocuses is possible at home in a pot, but with proper care.

known more than 100 varieties of crocus, some bloom in spring, others - in winter.

The stem reaches a height of 20-25 cm. At the roots there is a semblance of scales. The flower resembles the shape of a glass. It has 6 petals with a variety of colors. They are narrowish, linear, tucked up on the sides. Flowers are monophonic and two-color (yellow and blue shades).

After flowering the main crocus bulb dies off, and bulbs appear instead. They are separated and transplanted. Flowering "babies" occurs a year after transplantation. You can also grow flowers from seeds, but this will most likely lead to a loss of varietal properties.

Transfer bulbs to storage only after weathering for 2 weeks.

The nuances of growing a house in a pot

Breeding plants will not be a difficult task if you follow the principles:

• Providing adequate lighting;
• maintenance temperature balance- up to 20, and in winter - up to 10 degrees.
• Soil drainage (gravel, river sand);
• Irrigation in small volumes, but regularly;
• Landing in the ground, consisting of turf, leaves and sand;
• Use loam, fertilize with a mixture of manure and lime;
• to plant only elastic bulbs.

Disembarkation in progress 3 months before expected flowering.

Varieties for growing at home

Dutch varieties are best suited for growing indoors:

1. Joan of Arc- is distinguished by voluminous white petals and yellow stigmas, a light lilac base and a height of 4 cm. Flowering in mid-April.
2. Flower Record- a small stem, but a large bud of a purple-blue color with a darkish base. Flowering at the end of April.
3. cream beauty- has large golden buds and yellow-orange stamens. Flowering in early May.
4. blue pearl- small blue buds with a yellow base, up to 8 cm high. Flowering in early April.
5. Prince Claus- differs in the snow-white color of the bud with a bright purple back and a strong aroma, up to 8 cm high. Flowering in early April.

How to plant

Planting in a pot can be divided into several stages, which begin with the choice of the bulb.

2 weeks before flowering, we move the pot home, observing a gradual increase in temperature.

Selection of planting material

Buy bulbs better in autumn. When choosing, you should pay attention to the absence of stains, putrefactive inclusions and damage to the bulb. They must be removed and treated with ashes.

Preparing for landing

Before forcing the bulb should be placed in a cool place.

• If the flower is taken from the garden, it is necessary to dry, sort and clean in June when taking it out in a warm room (20-35 degrees). Within 15 days, lower the temperature to 17 degrees. After mid-August, cool again, transferring to a dark place with a temperature of up to 10 degrees, for about 4 weeks.
• If the bulbs are dried, they are left at a temperature of 20-25 degrees for a couple of days. And then put it in the refrigerator.

Pot

You need to take a container for crocus large diameter and shallow height. Must have or independent production it has drainage.

You should decide in advance the number of bulbs planted in one pot - the choice of the pot depends on this. The bulbs cannot touch each other and the walls of the container. On sale there are special pots for planting bulbs. They have holes for germinated flowers.

The stigmas of crocus flowers are saffron

The stigmas of the crocus flower are used in cooking as a spice - saffron.

Landing

To the bottom of the pot lay out pieces of brick or tile. Under it is a tray for collecting liquid. A sandy or sandy loam layer is prepared, soil is poured on top. Bulbs of similar sizes and the same type are planted in each pot.

Can be planted in sand, as well as in a mixture of leaves and turf. The bulbs cooled in advance are transferred to a pot, placing 10 cm apart and from the walls of the tank. You can bury them in the ground, or you can leave them on the surface (planting depth 5-10 cm).

After planting, the pot is cleaned in a dark and cool room (up to +10 degrees). And the rooting process begins.

Care

Watering rules

Immediately after planting, watering is not needed if the soil was moist before that.

As the land dries out, irrigation of the soil with a small amount of water is required. Excess liquid harms the bulbs.

Avoid contact with the petals when watering - this can cause brown spots. Water the plant abundantly - when the first sprouts appear and until the flowers wither. Then watering is done less and less, and after September they stop completely.

Necessary lighting

After landing the first time plant maturation required. It is carried out in dark, cool places. If you are going to rearrange the pot to the light, you need to check the sprout. If it is loose, you must wait a little longer until the light stage comes.

With a sprout height of 5 cm, it is transferred to a bright, cool place (up to 15 degrees). As the flowering period begins, containers with plants are transferred to a cool, dark place.

Humidity level

Required good drainage to prevent water stagnation. Loose soil is also suitable, which provides moisture and air to maintain moisture levels. As a dark, cool room, you can choose a basement.

Crocus blooms in up to 10 days.

top dressing

It is carried out only in the active phase of growth (in the spring and summer periods). Use at least 3 times for the entire period.

To increase the flowering period, phosphorus-containing top dressing is used. Potash fertilizers are added to improve the condition of the bulbs and maintain their health during wintering. Avoid nitrogen-containing fertilizers, they may be the result of the appearance of the fungus on the plant.

Extra care

When caring for crocuses leaves should not be plucked until they are completely wilted(not before the end of May). Since this will lead to weakening of the bulbs.

Usually the same bulb do not reuse, but if you still decide to do this, then you need to consider the facts:

• Choose nutrient soil;
• Apply top dressing;
• Irrigate the soil through the pallet.

Is it possible to extend the flowering of crocus - is it possible or not, and is it necessary

During the tying of the bud, temperature regime needed at home no more than 16 degrees. So you can prolong flowering for several weeks.

To increase the flowering period, it is enough to follow the rules:

• Move to a cool place at night, where the temperature is 1-3 degrees;
• Reduce illumination;
• Remove from direct sunlight.

When fading, the crocus will not re-bloom.

Crocuses are beautiful and fragrant flowers that proper fit and care will easily grow at home. They can be a wonderful gift for the desired date and holiday. They will also please the eye and create comfort.

Crocus, or saffron, is a perennial elegant flower plant. Depending on the variety, it blooms in spring and summer. Crocus is distinguished by magnificent flowers of predominantly yellow, white, light purple and lilac, which makes it very attractive for growing in pots on the windowsill, in flower beds, mixborders, flower beds, and even on the edge. In the article we will tell you how to grow crocuses in the garden or in pots, we will give recommendations for care.

Crocuses are combined with all early-flowering miniature plants. Flowers bloom only in the presence of sunlight, in cloudy weather they close into buds.

Crocus is a tuberous stunted plant, reaching a height of 10 to 20 cm. Spring varieties of crocus are grown in mid-September, autumn varieties - in April. Crocuses are propagated vegetatively (tubers) and seeds.

In what cases and how are crocuses grown with seeds

Crocuses are propagated by seeds in autumn and early spring. Despite the fact that crocus seedlings bloom for 4-5 years, this method landings are widely used:

• for growing rare varieties;
• for propagation of botanical varieties that do not reproduce well vegetatively;
• to obtain a large number of tubers;

In early spring, seeds are sown in mid-March or early April. Seeds for sowing are used freshly harvested, such planting material has a high percentage of germination, and form stronger and healthier seedlings. Before sowing, the following procedures are carried out:

1. Seeds are soaked in a growth stimulator solution for 30-40 minutes.
2. Seeds are disinfected by immersing in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
3. Seeds are stratified - placed in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.

Flower growers note that the bubbling procedure can be skipped if the shelf life of the seeds is not more than a year. It is not recommended to disinfect the seeds without a preliminary seed soaking procedure; dry crocus seeds are burned even in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Consider the stratification procedure:

1. Seeds are sown in a bowl in which there is wet sand.
2. Seeds are evenly distributed over the surface of the soil, without deepening.
3. The bowl is covered with a film and put in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks.
4. After 2-3 weeks, the seedlings are dug in the garden along with a bowl, which will serve as protection against weeds.
5. Before the appearance of seedlings, the bowl is covered with spunbond. The first watering is carried out as soon as seedlings appear. Watered with a spray bottle.

Reproduction of crocuses by seeds in open ground:

1. Seeds of spring-flowering varieties of crocus are sown in open ground. Sowing is done in mid-September. These seeds do not require stratification.
2. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in a growth stimulant solution and disinfected in a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

Sow seeds in light and loose soil. To make the soil porous and not form into lumps, sand is added. Peat is added as a loosening component of the soil, which will make the soil porous, breathable and moisture-intensive - what is needed for easy seed germination. ".

Growing spring flowering crocuses from tubers

Spring-flowering crocuses are planted in open ground in the second half of September. Such crocuses will bloom in early April or mid-May. Before planting, it is required to select the highest quality bulbs. Corms suitable for planting:

• whole tubers, dense, without damage;
• with dry scales;
• without roots and stems;
• size not less than 5 cm.

Bulbs broken, soft, with spots and other inclusions are not suitable for planting. Such planting material begins to rot in the ground after 5-6 days. Corms before planting should be disinfected in a weak solution of fungicides, formalin or potassium permanganate. For disinfection, fungicides Fundazol and Skor are used.

Etching the bulbs in a solution of fungicidal preparations will prevent the development of the disease. Planting material is soaked for 30 minutes.

Soil preparation: disinfected crocus tubers are planted in loamy fertile soil, or in sandy loamy drained soil. If the soil differs in mechanical composition from the above, then such soil should be fertilized. What to fertilize and in what quantity we will consider in the table:

Place of planting and tillage: corms should be planted on the sunniest side of the site. In partial shade, crocus tubers do not develop, and the flowers will be small in the future. Moreover, crocus flowers do not open in partial shade. Loamy and sandy soils do not require fertilization, it is enough to dig the soil to a depth of at least 25 cm.

Tip #1 Manure, high-moor peat, lime are added to clay soil equal amounts and dug to a depth of 25-30 cm.

The procedure for planting corms: flower growers recommend planting bulbs in special containers, lattice or mesh. Such containers will not allow the bulbs to "spread" in the open field.

The optimal distance between the bulbs is 3-5 cm, the depth of planting tubers should correspond to the height of 3 bulbs located one above the other. Small bulbs are planted at a depth of 6-7 cm, large ones - at 9-10 cm. The selected tubers should be the same in size as much as possible.

Tip #2 In winter, with the onset of stable negative temperatures, landing should be covered with fallen leaves. Bulbs are able to endure long severe frosts.

In the spring, when young sprouts of crocus appear, it is necessary to carry out the first top dressing. Top dressing should include phosphorus and potash fertilizers. Such fertilizers are necessary for the formation of large corms. After feeding, the sprouts are watered warm water spray gun. Subsequent waterings are carried out as the soil dries.

The second top dressing is the budding period, only phosphate fertilizers are applied. Potash and nitrogen fertilizers are not applied. The third top dressing is carried out after flowering ends. The composition of the fertilizer includes potassium and nitrogen impurities in equal amounts. Such fertilizers will contribute to the laying of future flowers during the summer dormancy.

For planting crocuses in open ground, you should choose varieties with large flowers. You should not plant different varieties of crocuses in one place, since the development of each variety is different, as a result, the flowers of low crocuses can be lost in the leaves of high plant varieties. ".

Mineral fertilizers for growing crocuses

Mineral fertilizers for crocuses are the same as for most garden flowers. Crocuses are fed three times a year - in early spring, during the budding period and after the crocuses have faded. Consider the most suitable fertilizers containing phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen:

• "Nitroammofoska" - universal fertilizer, improves plant development, increases the number of buds and their flowering time. It is recommended to apply in early spring and during the budding period.
• "Kaliyfos-N" - mixed type fertilizers, the optimal application period is the growing season. Improves plant development and increases resistance to fungal diseases.
• Azofoska is a complex nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer for all types of flower crops. Used on any soil. Increases the resistance of flowering plants to diseases, improves decorative features plants.
• "Superphosphate" is a highly concentrated phosphorus fertilizer. Used for all types of soils and crops. Improves plant development and increases resistance to fungal diseases. It is recommended to apply in early spring and during the budding period.
• "Kemira" - a mixed type of fertilizer, stimulates plant growth, increases resistance to diseases.

Diseases affecting crocus corms

The main diseases of crocuses are associated with a viral and fungal infection. The source of viral infection are nematodes and rodents. Fungal diseases are observed more often than viral ones. The causative agents of fungal diseases include:

• rot;
• chlorosis,
• rust;
• mosaic.

Fungal diseases affect corms, leaves and flowers. Affected plants develop poorly, premature flowering and wilting are observed. What lesions cause fungal diseases, who and what is the source of infection, as well as what drugs can destroy diseases, we will consider in the table:

Diseases	Causes	It strikes	Carriers and pathogens	Fungicides
Chlorosis	Lack of phosphate fertilizers, iron and boron.	Leaves, buds. The leaves are curled, the color is light yellow. The shape of the buds is deformed, the petals fall off prematurely.	Weed plants.	Fitosporin, Gamair.
Rust	Improper watering, damp and wet soil. Excessive content of nitrogen fertilizers in the soil.	Corms and leaves. There are orange spots on the scales of the bulbs. The leaves have orange pads. The spores of the fungus can also infect the flesh of the tubers.	Spores are spread by aphids, wind, rain.	Bordeaux liquid, blue vitriol.
root rot	Heavy and dense soil, violation of soil aeration, excess water, dampness.	tubers. Brown ulcers form on the tubers.	The spores of the fungus enter the soil with infected corms.
Mosaic	Mechanical damage to tubers. Violation of soil aeration.	Flowers and leaves. A gray coating appears on the flowers, spots of a light yellow color appear on the leaves, the leaves and flowers are deformed.	Aphids, wind, rain.

To prevent the development of the above diseases, it is necessary to properly and timely cultivate the soil and apply fertilizers. To carry out weeding and loosening of the soil, to destroy weeds, and also to prevent abundant watering.

Large-flowered varieties of spring crocus

Crocus spring (Crocus vernus) - perennial species, differs in large-flowered varieties of crocuses. Grow on light, neutral or slightly acidic soils. All varieties of this species are characterized as winter-hardy. Large corms form 4-5 flowers. Corms begin to bloom for 3-4 years. Seedlings bloom for 5 years.

There are several varieties:

• "Joan of Arc";
• "Grand Mater";
• "Pickwick";
• "Beauty Stripe".

Crocus sativus (Crocus Sativus) is a perennial species that prefers loamy and sandy soils. This type of crocus reproduces only by corms. Blooms in autumn, winter-hardy. Propagated to obtain seasonings and medicinal raw materials. Crocus sowing flowers are medium - 3-4 cm.

Crocus golden-flowered (Crocus Chrysantus) - a perennial species, grown on light, neutral or slightly acidic soils. Winter hardy. The flowers of the golden-flowered crocus are large, 4-5 cm in diameter. There are several varieties:

• "Blue Pearl";
• "Saturnus";
• "Prince Claus"

Crocus Sieberi (Crocus Sieberi) - cultivated as an annual plant, loves light and neutral soils. Winter hardy. There are several varieties:

• "Albus";
• "Fire Fly";
• "Purple Queen".

The table shows the flowering time and disadvantages of the above types of crocus:

Kind of crocus	Flowering time	Flaws
Crocus spring	Mid April - early May. Blooms 25-30 days.
Crocus sativa	Late August - mid September. Blooms 15-20 days.	Does not form seeds, short flowering period.
Crocus aureus	In the beginning of April. Blooms 15-20 days.	Low resistance to fungal diseases. In the shade, the flowers open partially.
Crocus Zibera	In April, as soon as the snow melts. Blooms 12-15 days.	Short flowering period.

Forcing crocuses in pots during the cold season

Crocuses, due to early flowering and a variety of color palettes, are a favorite forcing. houseplant. For distillation, large-flowered varieties of crocus are used. Crocuses are grown in pots from August to December. Properly planted, crocuses can bloom all winter. To distill the plant, crocus tubers are planted in light and loose soil. Landing capacity - bowl. The container is disinfected and filled with ready-made soil. Tubers are planted in moist soil at a distance of 3-5 cm and at a depth of 8-10 cm.

After planting, they are watered with warm water, and cleaned in a cool place for rooting for 3-3.5 months. As soon as the sprouts stretch 4-5 cm, the bowl is moved to a warmer place. The temperature should be raised gradually. To begin with, the plant should be kept in a cool place, then transferred to a room with a temperature in the range of + 14 ° C - + 15 ° C. Buds appear after 2-3 weeks. Blooms begin in 2-3 days. ".

Tip #3 You can extend the flowering period of forcing crocus by 5-6 days if it is transferred to a cool room with a temperature below + 10° Cduring bud formation.

Growing crocuses in landscape design

Crocuses are successfully used to decorate mass compositions on garden plots, for this, crocuses are grown in flower beds, discounts or mixborders. Florists recommend planting crocuses in groups with daffodils and tulips. This combination looks impressive at the foot of stone compositions, and also fits perfectly into the composition with coniferous plants.

Common mistakes when growing crocuses

Experienced gardeners identify several common mistakes that are often made when growing crocuses:

1. Abundant watering leads to rotting of corms and the development of diseases.
2. Before planting, tubers and seeds are not disinfected, which leads to fungal diseases.
3. Forcing crocuses should be kept at room temperature above + 16C, such crocuses fade within a day.

Crocuses perfectly set off rocky compositions and look even more expressive against the beige background of stones.

Frequently asked Questions

Question number 1. Do I need drainage in the soil when planting crocuses in open ground?

Needed, for drainage it is best to use large expanded clay and sand.

Question number 2. How many days does the forcing crocus bloom?

Blooms from 8 to 10 days at temperatures below +14 C

Question number 3. Which varieties lend themselves well to forcing?

For distillation, spring-blooming crocuses are used - Blue Pearl, Prince Claus, Saturnus.

Question number 4. What temperature should be when stratifying seeds?