718 saves
Crocus
We track 15 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 14 most-saved Crocus varieties
Browse all 15 Crocus varieties →
6 species of Crocus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Crocus in Sow
Save the Crocus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Crocus
Whats common across all Crocus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 15 most-grown of them.
The Crocus year
- PlantOctober–December100% of varieties
Plant corms 3-4 inches deep in late summer for fall bloom
- FertilizeMarch87% of varieties
Apply bulb fertilizer when flowers appear and again in late winter
- Spring CleanupMay and June53% of varieties
Clear away dead, yellowed foliage only after it has completely dried out.
- DivideJuly and August47% of varieties
Divide crowded corms every 3-5 years when dormant in early summer
Do
- Water moderately during active growth 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Water during dry spells in spring 🌱
- Remove spent flowers to encourage new growth
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early fall
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
- Refrain from cutting back foliage prematurely
- Overwater during dormancy ❌
- Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
What goes wrong with Crocus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Rodents | Bulb destruction | Use wire mesh or repellents around planting area |
| Slugs | Holes in leaves | Apply organic slug bait or diatomaceous earth |
| Narcissus Bulb Fly | Bulb rot and failure to bloom | Use organic neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Aphids | Small green or black insects clustering on emerging shoots, causing distorted growth. | Wash aphids off with a sharp spray of water or apply insecticidal soap if infestations are severe. |
| Gray mold | Gray fuzzy growth on leaves | Improve air circulation and remove affected plant parts |
| Corm rot | Foliage fails to emerge, or emerges yellow and stunted; corms become soft, mushy, and brown. | Ensure sharp soil drainage, avoid summer irrigation, and discard any soft or diseased corms before planting. |
| Gray Mold | Gray fuzzy mold on bulbs and leaves | Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering |
Making more Crocus
Corm division
- Dig up mature bulbs in late summer
- Separate offsets with clean knife
- Replant immediately in well-prepared soil
Seed sowing
- Collect seeds after flowering.
- Sow in well-drained soil in fall.
- Keep moist and provide full sun for germination.
Crocus questions
How many types of Crocus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 15 distinct Crocus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 718 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Crocus grow in?
Across its varieties, Crocus covers USDA Zones 4–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Crocus bloom?
Most Crocus varieties bloom in early spring, fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Crocus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.