Snow Crocus Flowers - Pictures and Planting Information

The snow crocuses that emerge each spring are always a delight. Even when you know they are coming, it is still a pleasant thing to see as there just isn't that much else blooming quite yet.

Many people grow them right into their lawns, which is on my gardening list of things to do in the future! It isn't quite time to mow the lawn, so it doesn't hurt to have these particular flowers growing right out of the grass.

Many of the crocus you see today are a blend of different species that are members of the iris family. You will notice that in some of the photos I share here. These are found throughout the Mediterranean.

The colors of crocus that you will see include lavender, purple, yellow and white. Many have stripes or different variations on them. The yellow ones are usually like a buttercup yellow color, very rich yellow color. The basic size of the crocus plant is approximately six by six inches.

The best time to plant crocus is the late fall to early winter. It is best to plant crocuses in good organic soil, that is also going to be well drained. Go for rich, fertile soil, and a spot that doesn't sit i water for any period of time.

As for daylight considerations, afternoon shade locations encourage longer bloom time.

Get the site ready by clearing the are of unwanted plants and work in some organic material, etc. It is a great idea to work the soil with a spade.

Crocuses are a good first bulb to plant with children or new gardeners. All that is needed is to dig a hole three times (or four), the width of the bulb, with pointed part pointing upward. Fill back in with the soil, and tap it to firm it up. Or, you can plant several bulbs at a time in one large hole. They should not be touching, however.

During the growing season, if it gets very dry, make sure to keep the crocuses watered. Do this until the leaves are no longer green. Let the foliage remain until over half of it is brown, if you are able. Don't mow the lawn until mid May has passed as well.

As far as possible pests and diseases, these are not usually a problem.

Clustering crocuses in plantings has a very nice effect along walkways or drive ways. They look great surrounding little trees and shrubs as seen in the one photo below. They also look great mixed in among other spring bulbs, etc.

Crocuses look great growing right in front and back lawns, though it can be easy to almost walk right over the tops of them if you aren't' careful..

It is always a joy to plan a garden, especially if time allows, and in the winter when its too dreary to do much anyway in the garden. You can get a lot done in the way of planning.

Crocuses seem to draw a lot of attention as one of natures first bloomers in many areas. For this reason alone, it makes me want to try growing them at least once. When I heard it was easy for even kids to grow them, well I have no excuse! There seems to be a great pay off for a very little bit of time invested, never mind the fact you are truly helping some of the hardest working pollinators out there.