FAQs: How To Plant Crocus Bulbs

Planting Crocus bulbs is one of the easiest ways to bring early colour and charm to your garden. These hardy, low-maintenance flowers thrive in a variety of climates, returning year after year to offer vibrant spring beauty. Here, you’ll find the most asked questions about Crocuses, along with some expert advice.

What Are Crocuses?
Crocuses are low-growing perennial flowers that bloom in early spring. Emerging from Crocus corms, they produce bright, cup-shaped flowers in shades of purple, yellow, and white. Often the first to flower after winter, Crocuses herald the arrival of spring, bringing life and colour back to the garden.

What Do Crocuses Look Like?
Crocuses bloom in a wide range of colours, including purple, blue, yellow, orange, and white. Some varieties even feature delicate streaks or two-tone petals, adding extra beauty to their vibrant displays.

What Colour Is Crocus?
Crocuses bloom in a beautiful range of colours, from purple and blue to yellow, orange, and white. Some varieties even have delicate streaks or two-tone petals. These cheerful colours make Crocuses one of the first signs of spring, often appearing while snow is still on the ground, signalling the arrival of warmer weather.

What Do Crocus Flowers Smell Like?
Most Crocus flowers aren’t scented, but a few varieties have a light, sweet fragrance. When present, the scent is subtle and delicate—pleasant without being overpowering.

What Do Crocus Bulbs Look Like?
Crocus bulbs, technically called corms, are small, round, and slightly flattened structures that store energy for the plant. They’re usually about the size of a walnut or smaller, with a firm texture and a papery brown outer layer. The top of the corm has a pointed tip from which new shoots will grow, while the base is slightly rounded, where the roots develop.

How Big Do Crocuses Grow?
Crocus flowers typically grow to a height of about 7 to 13 cm, depending on the variety.

What Month Do Crocuses Bloom?
Crocuses bloom from late winter to early spring, depending on your climate and the time they were planted. Their bright, colourful flowers usually last for about three weeks, adding a splash of colour to your garden just as winter begins to fade.

Where Do Crocus Flowers Grow?
Crocus flowers thrive in sunny or partially shaded spots with well-draining soil. They do well under deciduous trees or along the edges of garden spaces, where they can spread naturally to form colourful carpets of blooms. You can also plant them in clusters along garden edges or in containers to brighten up your space. Avoid waterlogged areas, as Crocuses prefer soil that is cool but never soggy.

Can Crocus Be Planted In A Lawn?
Crocuses can be planted in a lawn, but success depends on both the variety of Crocus and the conditions of the lawn. Not all varieties will do well in lawns, and not all lawns are suitable for Crocuses. They do best in lawns that receive partial shade, such as those beneath trees or along garden edges.

Do Crocuses Like Sun?
Crocuses thrive in full sun but also do well in dappled shade. They bloom best when planted in sunny spots where the soil warms up quickly in early spring.

What Can I Plant With Crocuses?
Crocuses pair beautifully with other autumn-planted bulbs such as Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths. Their early blooms complement later-flowering bulbs, ensuring your garden remains colourful from late winter into spring.

When To Plant Crocus Bulbs In The UK?
The best time to plant Crocus bulbs is from early September through November, before the ground freezes. Planting in autumn gives the corms enough time to establish roots before winter, ensuring healthy blooms come spring.

Can I Plant Crocus In Spring?
Crocus bulbs should be planted in the autumn, not in the spring. They require the cool winter months to develop strong roots and prepare for early blooms in spring.

Can I Plant Crocus In February?
You can plant Crocus bulbs in February if the ground isn’t frozen, though it’s later than ideal. Bulbs planted at this time may produce smaller or fewer blooms in their first season, as they have less time to establish roots.

Can I Plant Crocus In November?
You can certainly plant Crocus bulbs in November. It’s actually one of the best times, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

How Late Is Too Late To Grow Crocus Bulbs?
It’s too late to plant Crocus bulbs once the ground has frozen or heavy frost has set in. Planting in frozen soil prevents proper rooting, which can result in weak or failed growth come spring.

Should Crocus Bulbs Be Soaked Before Planting?
There’s no need to soak Crocus bulbs before planting. However, if you’re planting them later in the season, soaking the corms for up to 24 hours can help to kick-start root growth.

How To Plant Crocus Bulbs?
Here’s how to plant Crocus bulbs in the autumn:

1. Wait until the soil is 15°C or colder (typically September to November).
   
2. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and either full sun or partial shade.
   
3. Dig a hole and plant the Crocus bulbs 5 cm deep and 8 cm apart, with the pointed end facing up. In containers, place the bulbs closer together.
   
4. Water well once and wait for spring. If you’re planting in a very cold climate, bring containers indoors and keep them in a cool spot for the winter.

How Deep To Plant Crocus Bulbs?
Plant Crocus bulbs about 5 cm deep and space them roughly 8 cm apart. The general rule is to plant them at a depth of about 2–3 times the height of the corm.

Which Way Do You Plant Crocus Bulbs?
Always plant Crocus bulbs with the pointed end facing up—the roots will grow from the flatter, rounded base. This helps the shoots reach the surface more easily and ensures strong, even flowering when spring arrives.

How Many Crocus Bulbs Should I Plant Together?
You can plant Crocus bulbs in small groups of 3 to 9. For a more natural look, plant larger groups of 20 to 30 bulbs together, or aim for around 70 to 100 bulbs per square metre.

Should You Water Crocuses?
Crocuses need occasional watering. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can cause the corms to rot.

Do Crocus Do Well In Pots?
Crocuses grow beautifully in pots, both indoors and outdoors. Choose containers with good drainage and fill them with loose, well-draining compost. Plant the corms close together but not touching, around 5 cm deep. Place the pots in full sun or partial shade, and keep the soil lightly moist.

How Long Does It Take For Crocus To Grow?
Crocus bulbs typically take around 4 months to grow and bloom after planting. Growth time can vary slightly depending on soil temperature, sunlight, and moisture levels.

How Do You Take Care Of A Crocus Plant?
To care for Crocus plants, ensure they grow in well-draining soil in a sunny or lightly shaded spot. Water them regularly during the growing season, but avoid soggy soil to prevent rot.

How Many Flowers Do You Get From One Crocus Bulb?
Each Crocus bulb usually produces one flower stem per corm.

What Is The Lifespan Of A Crocus?
With proper care and growing conditions, Crocus bulbs can last and bloom reliably for up to 5 years, or even longer.

What To Do With Crocus After Flowering?
Once your Crocuses finish flowering, allow the foliage to die back naturally before removing it. If your soil drains well, the bulbs can remain in the ground. If drainage is poor, it’s best to lift and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place until you replant them in the autumn.

Can You Reuse Crocus Bulbs?
You can reuse Crocus bulbs. When planted in sunny, well-drained soil, Crocuses will naturally multiply, forming new corms that can be divided and replanted. Wait about six weeks after flowering, then carefully lift the corms, separate any offsets, and replant them in the autumn.

Should You Deadhead Crocus?
Deadheading isn’t necessary for Crocuses, as removing spent flowers won’t affect their ability to bloom again. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering.

How Fast Do Crocus Bulbs Multiply?
Crocus bulbs are naturalising plants and multiply on their own each year as new corms form around the original. If you want to speed up the process, you can lift and divide the corms after the foliage fades, then replant them elsewhere in your garden.

Do Crocuses Come Back Every Year?
Crocus bulbs are perennials, meaning they will come back year after year. Once planted, they’ll naturally multiply, creating a denser and more impressive display over time.

Can Crocus Bulbs Be Left In The Ground?
Crocus bulbs are hardy and can be left in the ground. However, if your soil is prone to becoming too wet, the corms may rot over time. If this is the case, it’s best to lift them after the foliage dies back, dry them out, and store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to replant them in the autumn.

Will Crocus Survive Snow?
Established Crocuses can survive snow. However, newly formed buds are more sensitive and may wilt if exposed to prolonged frost.

Will Dried-Out Crocus Bulbs Grow?
No, dried-out Crocus bulbs are unlikely to grow. Healthy bulbs should feel firm and plump, not shrivelled or brittle. It’s best to discard any dry or soft bulbs and plant only fresh, firm ones to ensure healthy root growth and reliable spring blooms.

Why Didn’t My Crocus Come Up?
If your Crocuses didn’t come up, several factors might be to blame. Planting too deep or too shallow can prevent the shoots from emerging. Poorly drained or waterlogged soil can cause the corms to rot. In some cases, unfavourable weather conditions might be the reason.

What Animal Eats Crocus Flowers?
Squirrels are the main culprits when Crocus flowers or bulbs mysteriously disappear. They are known to dig up and nibble on the corms. Occasionally, mice, voles, chipmunks, and rabbits may also take a bite. To safeguard your Crocuses, make sure to plant the bulbs at the correct depth and cover the area with garden mesh or chicken wire to deter these hungry visitors.

How Do I Keep Squirrels From Eating My Crocus?
To keep squirrels from raiding your Crocus bulbs, cover the planting area with fine mesh or chicken wire after planting. While natural deterrents such as coffee grounds may work temporarily, they’ll need to be reapplied regularly to remain effective.

Are Crocuses Poisonous To Dogs?
Certain types of Crocuses can be toxic to dogs if ingested. They may cause severe vomiting, organ failure, or even be fatal. To be on the safe side, it’s best to keep pets away from all Crocus plants and consult a vet immediately if your dog consumes any part of them.

What Is Special About The Crocus Flower?
Crocus flowers are particularly special because they’re often the first to bloom after winter, marking the arrival of spring. Their ability to push through frost and even snow makes them a true symbol of renewal. With their vibrant colours, Crocuses bring instant brightness and cheer to the garden.

Can I Eat Crocus?
Most Crocus varieties are not edible and can even be toxic if consumed. The only safe and edible type is Crocus ‘Sativus’, also known as the saffron Crocus, which produces the red stigmas used to make the spice saffron. This variety is an autumn-flowering Crocus.

Do All Crocuses Have Saffron?
Not all Crocuses produce saffron. Only the Crocus ‘Sativus’, commonly known as the Saffron Crocus, yields the prized spice. Each bulb produces a single purple flower, and within each flower, there are three deep red stigmas—these are the saffron threads. For more information, check out our guide on ‘How To Grow Crocus Sativus?’.

What Is The Difference Between Crocus And Saffron?
The main difference between Crocus and Saffron is that Crocus refers to the entire genus of small, flowering plants. Saffron, on the other hand, is a spice derived from one particular variety—Crocus ‘Sativus’. This variety produces the red stigmas, which, once dried, become saffron.

When Should I Buy Crocus?
The best time to buy spring-flowering Crocus bulbs is before the planting season begins, usually in September, October, and November. At DutchGrown, we start shipping from early autumn (1st October) through to January, ensuring that your bulbs arrive at the perfect time for planting.

Where To Buy Crocus Bulbs?
You can purchase Crocus bulbs from trusted online bulb specialists or local garden centres and nurseries. At DutchGrown, you’ll find high-quality, large Crocus bulbs in excellent condition—carefully selected and delivered at the right time for planting, ensuring strong growth and beautiful blooms come spring.

Updated 11th of November 2025