There is hardly a garden in which a few crocuses do not set the first color points in spring. Not all varieties flower in spring, the autumn crocus only flowers in autumn. The robust ornamental plant is easy to plant and requires little care.

The crocus probably comes from Greece

The crocus: a profile

  • Botanical name: Crocus
  • Plant Family: Irises
  • Order: Asparagus
  • Origin: probably Greece
  • Distribution: represented worldwide
  • Species: around 80, 10 of them in Germany plus breeds
  • Height: 10 - 15 centimeters
  • Flowers: Flower-tube with 3 stamens
  • Flower colors: white, yellow, violet, lilac predominates
  • Leaves: green, narrow, lanceolate
  • Flowering period: February to May / September to October
  • Scent: Large-flowered varieties with a faint scent
  • Lifespan: 2 - 6 years
  • Propagation: seeds, bulbs
  • Hardiness: fully hardy
  • Toxicity: slightly toxic to humans, highly toxic to animals
  • Special features: Ovary forms underground
  • Use: ornamental plant in the garden, first spring bloomers

Over 80 species of crocus are known

Wherever the climate is temperate, crocuses are grown. Over 80 different species are known. Ten species are represented in Europe.

Wild crocuses grow in meadows and along ditches and are common in the Alps and Pre-Alps. They are also increasingly being planted in home gardens. Its flowers are predominantly light purple.

Over time, countless breeds have come onto the market. They differ in flower color, flower size and flowering time.

Crocuses require little maintenance

Once planted, the crocus grows in the garden between two and six years. It forms numerous brood bulbs, which provide new flowers next spring.

Crocuses are completely hardy and don't mind another cold snap. The cells of the flowers are protected against frost, so that the crocus can even grow through snow cover.

The crocus thrives best if you just leave it alone. The only major problem is voles, which can drastically reduce crocus populations. Occasionally, the pests will move the bulbs to another location, causing new crocuses to grow in completely unexpected places.

tips and tricks

The stamens of saffron, Crocus sativus, have been a popular seasoning and coloring agent since ancient times. The threads must be picked out by hand. Real saffron is therefore one of the most expensive spices of all.

Category:

Vegetable garden