Before the ground freezes in the autumn, crocus bulbs can be planted almost anywhere.
Ideally, plant crocus corms 6 to 8 weeks before a hard frost is expected and when soils are below 16°C. This is usually between September and November.
Make sure the soil drains well, crocus bulbs can rot in soggy ground.
Before planting, work in organic matter such as compost, peat, or something like shredded leaves to a depth of at least 6 inches.
Plant crocus corms 3 to 4 inches deep (with the pointy end up). After planting, water well.
Consider planting crocuses in lawns and meadows where they can form carpets, or mass them in the front of flower beds along the edge.
Care
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early autumn, spring can be short and the days heat up fast.
Through the autumn, keep crocus beds watered if weather gets dry, but do not waterlog the soil.
If you have crocuses growing in your lawn in mid-Spring, don’t mow until their leaves have died down, they need their foliage to photosynthesise energy back into the bulb.
Pests & Diseases
Mice, voles, and squirrels may feed on the your crocus. If they are a problem, consider planting crocuses in buried wire cages.
Birds sometimes pick off the flowers.
Corms in storage are prone to rot and mould if kept too moist.
