Crocuses are one of the first spring flowers to bloom in the garden. In order for tender buds to appear at the right time, you need to know exactly when to plant crocuses - in autumn or spring. The question is especially relevant for beginner growers, since the bulbs of this plant can be bought at almost any time of the year.
Spring and autumn crocuses
That's how it is customary to classify these delicate flowers from the iris family. Unpretentious and resistant to the Russian winter, crocuses actively grow throughout the year and can bloom in early spring and early autumn. Few people know that autumn species exist. Because of this, there is often confusion about when to plant crocuses. This is best done in autumn.
The cycle of growth and development of corms in spring crocus begins in early spring, when the plant first grows leaves, blooms, and then enters a dormant phase, accumulating strength inonion and forming babies. It is these crocuses that are most often found in flower shops and in mass markets.
It's much harder to meet autumn species. Their life activity begins with flowering in early autumn, then the leaves grow, under the snow the plant often leaves with open buds. Planting dates for such species are mid-July-early August. If you are a little late, then the flower will not have time to form and please the ripe children.
Planting spring crocuses
For those of you who don't know when to plant crocuses in the fall, it's worth first identifying your plant type. Spring must be planted in early September, when the bulb is in the dormant phase. Having accumulated strength over the winter, the plant will release the first flowers in early April. First you need to prepare the soil: dig two weeks before planting, add humus, but do not be zealous with complex mineral fertilizers.
The next year, when the crocuses have faded, you need to wait until all the leaves dry up. Only after this, the bulbs are dug up and stored until September, by analogy, tulips are cared for. Weather conditions will help determine when to plant crocuses and tulips. Dry cool weather is most favorable for this, but you need to be in time before the first frosts.
Planting autumn species
Autumn crocuses are planted at the end of summer. Late planting will cause the corm to form incorrectly, releasing leaves but not producing buds. Therefore, the question arises - when to plant crocuses. Autumn (September) - planting timespring-flowering species, in summer (end of July) autumn-flowering specimens should be planted. Not all flower growers carry out annual planting, leaving the plant in one place for 4-5 years.
It is noticed that with this approach, the flowers become smaller, the greenery grows, the children become crowded. Therefore, for better flowering, excellent planting material and the preservation of bulbs from garden pests, it is recommended to dig and divide crocuses annually. If the chosen place has light sandy loamy soil, there is no moisture stagnation, and the site is sufficiently lit, then the flowers will not keep you waiting long and will soon delight you with bright buds.
