Crocus tommasinianus Planting & Gardening

Meneerke bloem, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Crocus are corms or bulbs with long linear leaves that form a lovely, shimmering silver stripe. Large, occasionally perfumed goblet-shaped flowers give modest yet spectacular colour to the front of a border, container, or for naturalising into bigger blankets of floral colour in late autumn and early spring. Crocus tommasinianus is a bulb that blooms in late winter to early spring and is native to southeastern Europe. It is one among the first plants to sprout leaves above ground and may bloom even while there is snow on the ground.

Plant them in masses along paths, in front of trees or plants in forest or rock gardens, or let them grow naturally on a lawn. Wait until the leaves turn yellow before mowing if planted in a lawn. They fit nicely into small places and provide a lot of interest to a garden after a long winter’s sleep. The blossoms of this little crocus range in colour from faint slivery lilac to reddish purple, but whatever colour they are, they are always a welcome sight in late winter. This is one of the simplest crocuses to naturalise since it self-seeds rapidly. A good partner for dwarf grasses or lawns that have been trimmed late in the autumn to allow the blossoms to be more visible. It is more shade tolerant than many of its contemporaries, making it an excellent choice for wooded environments. It will also attract any insects that may be active thus early in the year.

Crocus tommasinianus Planting & Gardening

Plant your Crocus bulbs in the fall before the ground freezes. The roots will sprout immediately after planting, and some leaves may develop in the fall in warm climates. In the early spring, buds and blooms might be expected.

Find a sizable container that has enough drainage holes for “container gardening” and fill it with high-quality, well-draining soil. Almost any potting mix that is sold commercially will work. Depending on the kind, make holes and plant the bulbs, pointed end facing up, 3 to 2 inches deep and spaced apart. Choose a location for your crocuses where they will get full to partial sun.

When growing Crocuses in an outdoor landscaping, choose a location with well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure. Depending on the kind, make holes and plant the bulbs, pointed end facing up, 3 to 2 inches deep and spaced apart. Give the dirt a good soak to help it settle around the bulbs.

During periods of vigorous development, provide water as needed without sopping up the soil. It is safe to assume that 1″ of water each week is required. If your location has brief, warm springs, add fertiliser in early fall. If your region has lengthy, moderate springs, add fertiliser in late winter. Before winter, cover garden beds with a layer of mulch, and then take it off in late February to allow the blossoms to show. After the flowering season is through, let the leaves alone rather than cutting it off. The leaves will absorb sunlight to carry out photosynthesis, which will strengthen the bulbs in the long run. Remove the foliage as the plant goes into hibernation and the leaves begin to yellow and die back.

Plant Insects, Diseases, and Other Issues

Generally free of disease, however corms kept in storage may get infected with Pencillium blue mould, gladiolus core rot, gladiolus dry rot, grey moulds, narcissus basal rot, tulip grey bulb rot, and violet root rot. Comparatively more resistant to damage from mice, squirrels, and other rodents than other Crocus varieties.