While some gardeners mark the vernal equinox on their calendar as a sort of unofficial start to the flower gardening season, those who plant their favorite crocus varieties may be rewarded two full months earlier than that. Short on stature but big on charm, crocus flowers require little more than an undisturbed space in the landscape where they can gradually multiply into handsome colonies.
The crocus genus consists of at least 90 species of plants that grow from bulb-like corms. Of these, a relatively small group are commonly cultivated from garden use, including some that are spring bloomers: C. tommasinianus (snow crocus), C. vernus (dutch crocus), and C. chrysanthus (golden crocus or snow crocus). There are also some fall-blooming crocus species, including C. sativus (saffron crocus).
Crocuses have been in cultivation since the 1500s, and there are many hundreds of varieties available. Here are 14 good types to consider for your garden.
Gardening Tip
In warmer growing zones, you will not have much luck growing tulips by planting them in the ground in the fall, the way your northern friends and relatives do it. Like some other spring bulbs, crocus bulbs need a chilling period in order to flower. You can, however, grow crocuses as annual plants, planting fresh bulbs each year.
Most crocuses need 10 to 14 weeks at temperatures of 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. You can create these conditions yourself by storing crocus bulbs in a refrigerator beginning in late October, then planting them in the late winter for early spring bloom. Make sure not to store crocus bulbs near fruit, since it gives off ethylene gas that will damage the embryonic flowers inside the bulbs.
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- Snow Crocus (Crocus Tommasinianus)
Gardeners have been enjoying this pale lavender heirloom since 1847. In the early morning light, petals appear almost silvery, giving the flowers a luminous effect. Also known affectionately as “Tommies” Crocus tommasinianus is resistant to squirrels. The flowers open in the morning and close up at night, but on cloudy, rainy days, they do not open at all. This plant is called snow crocus because it is among the first crocuses to open in spring.
Native Area: Southeastern Europe
USDA Growing Zones: 3–8
Height: 3–6 inches
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
‘Pickwick’ (Crocus vernus ‘Pickwick’)
Photo: James A. Guilliam/Getty Images
As pert as a swatch of seersucker cloth, the 1925 heirloom ‘Pickwick’ crocus is perfect for forcing in pots so you can admire the delicate stripes up close. ‘Pickwick’ is considered to be one of the giant spring crocuses, blooming in early April when the first daffodils bloom.
‘Pickwick’ is a very popular cultivar of C. vernus, a species that includes many varieties known collectively as Dutch crocus, known for their large flowers.
Native Area: Alpine areas of Europe
USDA Growing Zones: 3–8
Height: 4–6 inches
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
