Garden Care Guide

Crocus Care

Crocus

A bulbous (cormous) plant that generally flowers in spring. It loves full sun and well-drained soils, and its biggest enemy is excessively wet soil. Suitable for rock gardens, lawn areas and pots.

Hardy · -25 °C / -13 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January
  • Watering: Not necessary (winter rains are sufficient). If the soil dries out completely, lightly moisten it.
  • General care: Make sure the soil does not hold water.
  • Pests & diseases: Avoid excess water against the risk of bulb rot; snails can damage the newly emerging leaves.
February
  • Watering: Not needed; the rains are sufficient.
  • Fertilizing: Before flowering, a very small amount of potassium-heavy liquid fertilizer can be given (do not overapply).
  • General care: Flowering begins; keep the area around it free of weeds.
  • Pests & diseases: Check for snails and slugs.
  • Frost risk: Flowers can be affected by frost but the plant does not die.
March
  • Watering: If there is no rain, 5-10 L/m² during flowering to keep the soil slightly moist.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
  • Pruning: You can pick only the faded flowers; never cut the leaves.
  • General care: Letting the leaves yellow naturally is critical for next year's flowers.
  • Pests & diseases: If you see rust or spots on the leaves, cut off those leaves.
April
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • Pruning: Do not cut the leaves under any circumstances; wait for them to turn completely yellow and dry out.
  • General care: The leaves feed the bulbs and, by drying, prepare them for dormancy.
  • Pests & diseases: Aphids may be seen but do not require intervention.
May
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • Pruning: You can remove withered leaves by pulling them off by hand or cutting them.
  • General care: Spread a 5-7 cm layer of mulch over the root zone; it retains soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Do not pile mulch against the trunk. Drainage is vital for this plant. In heavy soil that holds water, plant it on a raised mound or berm 20-30 cm high so that the root collar stays above the surrounding soil level.
  • Pests & diseases: The risk is low during this period.
June
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: This is the most suitable time to lift the bulbs, separate them, and store them in a dry, cool place.
  • Pests & diseases: Among the bulbs you have lifted, remove the rotten or diseased ones.
July
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: The bulbs are dormant, in their resting period.
  • Pests & diseases: There is no risk.
August
  • Watering: Water deeply twice a week; prefer infrequent and generous watering over small and frequent. Water so that the soil is wetted 10-15 cm down from the surface.
  • General care: A suitable time for ordering new bulbs and planning the planting. Planting of autumn crocuses can begin at the end of the month.
  • Pests & diseases: There is no risk.
September
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water once a week.
  • General care: This is the ideal month for planting the bulbs of spring-flowering species. Plant the bulbs 8-10 cm deep, with the pointed end facing up.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure you plant sound, disease-free bulbs.
October
  • Watering: If there is no rainfall, water every 15 days.
  • General care: Bulb planting can continue; it is also suitable for planting in pots.
  • Pests & diseases: Rodents such as field mice can damage bulbs; take precautions if necessary.
November
  • General care: In winter rains, make sure water does not pool in the root zone; for this plant, drainage is more critical than irrigation.
  • Pests & diseases: During heavy rain, make sure water does not collect under pots.
December
  • General care: The bulbs are in winter rest and are meeting their chilling requirement.
  • Pests & diseases: Make sure drainage works well against the risk of bulb rot.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

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