Crocus is also called "saffron" - it is a very unusual and expensive seasoning. It is collected from stamens, but not from our crocuses, but from those that are specially grown in Spain and Syria. This seasoning is used as a medicine, in drinks, in the preparation of various dishes. It is also used as a dye, which is why saffron is very popular in the industry. A large encyclopedia of spices, seasonings and spices, by Victoria Karpukhina, provides a detailed description of how saffron is used.
In the world there are up to 300 varieties of crocuses... There are varieties that multiply by seeds, they are grown specifically for getting seasonings. The most common are wild and bulbous species.
Planting rules
When purchasing spring crocus bulbs, you need to know that they are planted in September or in the first half of October. For autumn varieties landing in mid-July to late August is foreseen... The more traditional crocuses found in our regions are spring species. They bloom in early spring.
This is a very beautiful picture when it is snowing outside and small flowers are already appearing under the snow cap. You should not worry about the growth of plants during snow, because a moderate decrease in temperature does not do any harm. Crocus leaves have a waxy structure, so they are not afraid of frost.
So, let's move on to the rules for planting crocus of spring varieties.
- Before planting a plant, it is imperative to fertilize the ground.
- Planting takes place in September to mid-October.
- Plant the plant at 3 bulb depths.
- Dense planting of bulbs is not recommended.
- Transplant the plant no earlier than after 4 years.
Plant care
To grow beautiful and large crocuses, you need to find dry, loose and nutritious soil. As an organic additive, compost, rotted manure, is added to the soil, since crocuses do not like too moist soil.
Crocuses are plants that love light very much... Therefore, it is better to plant them in areas where a lot of sunlight falls. Also, some gardeners claim that the crocus can grow in partial shade and even in the shade, but the flowers of this plant will no longer be so large.
There are 3 types of feeding:
- The first one is made at the moment when your crocus wakes up and sends out small arrows.
- The second is carried out only in the phase of bud formation.
- The third complementary food is used when the buds have completely faded.
If the spring is not very wet in the region where it is planned to grow crocus, then you need to water the plant in order to get high stems and large buds in the future. There have been cases that some gardening enthusiasts simply did not bloom crocuses... There are several explanations for this phenomenon:
- The bulbs are planted too close together.
- Crocuses don't have enough food.
- The plant went deep into the ground.
It is recommended to replant crocuses every 4 years, while the distance between the bulbs should be at least 5-10 cm.
How to store bulbs dug up in summer?
It is very important to completely remove the bulbs damaged by insects, as the planting material must be of good quality. They can be washed with a solution of potassium permanganate or treated with phytosparin.You also need to dry the cunning, and then store in paper bags, at a temperature of 15-18 ˚С before autumn planting .
Gift in a pot. What to do with crocuses after flowering?
Of course, throwing away is the easiest thing to do, but there are ways to extend the life of crocuses. The fact is that while the bulb is growing, it loses strength, but during dormancy, the plant begins to gain the lost energy. Therefore, to suspend the growth process and give a period of "rest", you need remove the plant from the pot and trim dry leaves.
This is done very simply: carefully take out all the tubers and clean them of soil residues. It is recommended to put all the bulbs in a drying box. The main thing is not to separate the children from the mother's bulb. May they stay connected together until next year.
The next year the plant will bloom. True, only one flower will appear on each stem. Do not forget that the box of bulbs should be placed in a fairly dark and cool place. There they will dry out and will be preserved. For these purposes, an attic, cellar or basement is suitable, but only if it is not very damp.
Those "children" who fall away from the mother's bulb you can also safely put to dry... If the root system has become very long, it can be cut off without fear, because the plant will again give a new rhizome next year.
Do not forget that when the bulbs are put to dry, it is imperative to water the plant for several days. The fact is that it is more convenient to pull the bulbs out of the pot to clean them from soil.
Now let the tubers dry out well, and in November, they can already be planted directly in open ground... In the spring, these crocuses will sprout and will delight us with their bright and unique flowering, decorating garden plots, gardens, flower beds with their appearance.
