Fall Crocus

The autumn crocus develops from a corm, which should be planted in late summer or early fall, 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm.) under the surface of the soil. The flowers of the autumn crocus tend to be delicate and should be protected, so situate them under low growing plants or even amid the lawn.

How poisonous is the autumn crocus?

All parts of autumn crocus are highly toxic. Typical symptoms of poisoning are nausea, vomiting, circulatory failure or respiratory paralysis. The content of the toxin colchicine continues to increase as the seeds mature and is highest in the seeds themselves. Just a few grams can kill an adult human.

What is the difference between colchicum and autumn crocus?

Colchicum leaves appear in spring and are large and floppy, looking quite at home among hostas. Fall-blooming crocus has narrow, grass-like foliage that appears either in autumn or in the spring, depending on the species. Spring-blooming varieties flower at the same time foliage emerges.

What is an autumn crocus called?

Colchicum are more commonly known as autumn crocuses as they look so similar to spring crocuses. Advertisement. However, they're in fact part of the lily family and are not related to the familiar crocus at all.

Do fall crocus multiply?

Crocus flowers come in Easter-egg colors of purple, yellow, lavender, cream and white. Over time, these carefree bulbs will naturalize and multiply to produce more flowers every year.

Where should I plant fall crocuses?

Light: Fall flowering crocus bloom best in full sun. The lower growing varieties, such as the edible saffron crocus, will flower in part shade, but to a lesser degree. The taller colchicum autumn crocus will flower in part sun, but can get floppy. Soil: Fall flowering crocus grow best in well-drained, silty soil.

Do squirrels eat autumn crocus?

Plant Bulbs That Squirrels Don't Prefer Squirrels are very fond of some bulbs, such as tulips and crocus, but other spring-blooming bulbs are not on their preferred menu.

How deep to plant fall crocus bulbs?

Plant the waxy, irregular corms covered in a dark-brown, leathery skin in well-drained soil about 6 inches apart. The corms are quite large and should be planted 3-6 inches deep.

Do deer eat autumn crocus?

Crocus Flower Bulbs They are deer and rabbit resistant, and when planted in large drifts they provide a stunning, early-spring display. These beauties should be used in every garden and grass lawn. Learn more about Planting Crocus.

Do crocus spread by themselves?

Crocus bulbs (technically called “corms”) not only provide winter garden color, but they naturalize, meaning that they spread and come back year after year—with minimum care—for an ever-larger display.

Is fall crocus perennial?

Colchicum autumnale, or Autumn Crocus, is a perennial herb with basal, slender leaves; long, tubular, 6 parted, purple-pink to white flowers that blossom in autumn (hence the common name). The flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies.

Do crocuses come back every year?

Crocuses are perennial, which means they will bloom again every spring. They are also great at naturalising, so there's a good chance they will multiply every year.

Can you leave crocus bulbs in the ground all year?

Do I need to dig up my bulbs or can I leave them in the ground? Spring-blooming bulbs that are winter hardy, such as tulips, daffodils and crocus, can be left right in the ground. Summer bulbs such as dahlias, tuberous begonias and calla lilies, will not survive cold winters.

Do squirrels eat crocus bulbs?

Those bushy-tailed rodents that some find cute, but gardeners find contrary, love to munch on crocus bulbs. The most common crocuses, various hybrids of Crocus vernus, are especially toothsome to squirrels.

How many crocus bulbs should you plant together?

Unlike other plants, crocuses don't mind company. For bright clumps of blooms, plant them in groups of three to nine corms. First, choose a sunny or partly shady area. Then dig a trench three inches deep if you live in USDA Zones 6-8, or four inches deep for Zones 3-5, to provide extra insulation.

Do crocus bulbs spread?

do crocus spread? Yes, crocus corms multiply by division each year if they are properly planted and cared for.

Should you soak crocus bulbs before planting?

Should you soak spring bulbs before planting? There's no need to soak them before planting. However, if you are late getting them into the ground, then soaking them for 12-24 hours can speed up the rooting process.

Are crocuses invasive?

Special characteristics: non-aggressive - Plants spread to form large clumps, but are not usually a nuisance. non-invasive.

Do rabbits eat crocuses?

Crocus Flower Bulbs They are deer and rabbit resistant, and when planted in large drifts they provide a stunning, early-spring display. These beauties should be used in every garden and grass lawn. Learn more about Planting Crocus.

Can you mow over crocus?

Growing Crocus in Lawns Keep in mind that you won't be able to mow for a few weeks, or until the tops of the crocus turn yellow. If you mow too soon, the bulbs may not have the get up and go for another season of blooming because the foliage absorbs sunlight that converts to energy.