Fall crocus bulbs are a magical way to extend your garden’s bloom season into the autumn months. As summer flowers fade crocuses emerge to paint your yard with vivid pops of purple, yellow and white. Their early arrival heralds the coming of cooler weather and shorter days.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing and growing fall crocus bulbs for a stunning autumn display
What Are Fall Crocus Bulbs?
Fall crocuses belong to the Crocus genus, a group of about 90 small perennial plants in the iris family. They are native to central and southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The most commonly grown fall crocus is Crocus sativus, also known as saffron crocus.
Unlike spring crocuses, which bloom in early spring, fall crocus varieties flower in late summer through autumn. They produce goblet or lily-shaped flowers in shades of lilac, purple, yellow, and white with distinctive orange stigmas. The grass-like leaves appear with or after the blooms.
When to Plant Fall Crocus Bulbs
Fall crocus bulbs are planted in late summer, ideally around August-September. This gives them time to establish roots before the ground freezes in winter. The bulbs remain dormant underground until late summer when soil temperatures rise, triggering them to send up flower buds.
If planted in autumn, crocuses will bloom approximately 6-10 weeks later. So for flowers in October, plant bulbs in August. The exact timing depends on your climate and first frost date.
Where to Buy Fall Crocus Bulbs
You can find fall crocus bulbs at most garden centers and plant nurseries, or order them online from reputable bulb suppliers like American Meadows, Dutch Gardens, Breck’s, and Van Engelen. Most sell them in bags of 10-20 bulbs. Popular varieties include:
- Saffron Crocus – Purple flowers with vivid orange stigmas, used for saffron spice.
- Waterlily Crocus – Delicate lilac-purple blooms with yellow centers.
- Giant Crocus – Huge, deep purple blooms.
- White Fall Crocus – Bright white flowers.
When buying bulbs, look for large, firm specimens free of mold, damage, and decay. Avoid bulbs that are soft, mushy, or shriveled.
How to Plant Fall Crocus Bulbs
Crocus bulbs grow best in a sunny spot with well-draining soil Choose a site that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun daily, Amend heavy clay soils with compost or sand to improve drainage,
To plant:
- Dig holes or trenches 4-6 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart.
- Place bulbs pointy end up in holes, about 2-3 inches deep.
- Backfill holes and water well.
- Top dress with mulch or leaves if desired.
Space bulbs closely, about 2-3 inches apart, for a fuller display. You can plant bulbs directly in garden beds or naturalize them in lawns and meadows. For container planting, choose shallow pots no deeper than 6 inches.
Caring for Fall Crocus Bulbs
Crocus bulbs are quite low maintenance when planted properly in the right spot. Here are some tips for caring for them:
- Water bulbs regularly after planting until the ground freezes.
- Avoid overwatering which can cause bulbs to rot.
- Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming.
- Fertilize in spring with bulb food or all-purpose fertilizer.
- Lift and divide congested clumps every 2-3 years after foliage dies back.
- Mulch bulbs in cold climates to prevent freeze/thaw cycles from pushing them up.
- Remove spent flowers but leave foliage intact until it yellows.
Harvesting Saffron from Crocus Blooms
If planting saffron crocus for spice, harvest the orange stigmas or threads when flowers are fully open. Carefully pluck the threads and dry indoors. It takes about 200 threads to make 1 gram of saffron spice.
Enjoying Fall Crocus in Your Garden
With their delightful flowers in rich autumn hues, fall crocuses are a treasured sight in the late season garden. These hardy little bulbs provide a final flourish of color before winter dormancy. Plant a patch this year for a boost of beauty as summer fades to fall.
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How to Grow a Crocus Lawn – Autumn Bulb Growing Tips for Winter Flowers
FAQ
When should I plant fall crocus?
Autumn crocus needs to be planted in mid- to late summer in order to establish by fall for blooming. The large, bulb-like corm of Colchicum speciosum (L). Bulbs often will produce flowers without even being planted.
How late is too late to plant crocus?
Plant crocus bulbs in fall, six to eight weeks before a hard frost is expected and when soils are below 60 degrees F. This is usually during September and October in the North, and October and November in the South.
What is the difference between spring and fall crocus?
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 the difference between saffron crocus and autumn crocus?
Native to Southern Europe, saffron crocus is a prized plant known for its culinary use. Its dark purple flowers produce vivid red stigmas—the source of saffron. In contrast, autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) also produces fall blooms, but contains poisonous compounds and must never be consumed.