Saffron is a harbinger of spring. These tiny perennials are among the first to emerge from the ground each year, sometimes even poking out of the turbans in the snow, which serve the protective waxy cuticle on the sleeve. After the pastel hues of winter, their usually bright colors – purple, yellow, orange and blue – are a welcome sight.
Plant each crocuse bulb (the name of its bulb-like plant stem) to 7 to 10 cm deep, spaced about 7 cm apart, with the pointed side facing up. Divide into small groups — say, 9 or 10 per square foot — or larger piles. Cover with a mound and water cover.
If you are worried about squirrels or chipmunks chipmunk infestation starting to eat bulbs, start start immediately, start immediately, start immediately, please put some of the crushed shells, oyster shells, oyster shells or shielding materials or spray air odorants.
During the growing season, whether through rainfall or watering, ensure that the crocuses receive water equivalent to 1-3 cm deep each week. But do not water them in summer or while dormant, otherwise they may rot. That's it. They do not require any trimming or other special care.
Saffron will start blooming anytime between late winter and early spring, usually without warning – one day, it doesn't grow, and the next day it blooms! Each bulb produces several flowers. However, do not mow the lawn until the flowers stop blooming and the leaves begin to turn yellow and wither. This indicates that the plant has stored all its energy for the next spring growing season.
In preparation for the next growing season, Stark recommends fertilization for optimal growth and flowering. If the spring is short, fertilize in early autumn; If the spring is longer, fertilize is applied in late winter. If you live in an area where it snows in the winter, cover your crocuse bed with a few inches of mulch. "Remove mulch at the end of February," she says, "but prepare mulch in February and March to protect the plants if the weather gets bad again." ”
After a few years, your crocs may spread so much that it becomes crowded. If this happens, dig them out and divide them into smaller clusters after the flowering season has flowered. You can replant them elsewhere or spread their beauty by sharing them with others.
Plant crocuses indoors
By forcing the crocits to bloom indoors, you can enjoy the saffron throughout the winter. To do this, first put them in pots about 3 cm deep around mid-October and then water them thoroughly. Then refrigerate in a dark place for two to three months. Ideally, the temperature should be 3.3 to 7.2 degrees Celsius. During this time, just pour the right amount of water. When their cooling period is over, return them to room temperature and the crocuses should bloom after about a month. Mandatory plants cannot be transplanted outdoors.