When and how to plant crocus bulbs for colourful spring displays
Find out the best time to plant crocus bulbs and where to plant them so you can enjoy their colourful blooms in spring

By Sarah Wilson
Plant crocus bulbs in late autumn or even early winter and come spring you'll get to enjoy lots of sumptuous early colour. Choose from purples, whites, creams and yellows, in lots of shades, slashed through with pretty orange, purple and brown markings. They really come into their own if you plant them in a lawn or Mediterranean-style gravel garden, and nothing beats the little bursts of colour in pots and troughs grouped around doorways.
You'll need lots of crocus to make a great display, which is fine as they’re not expensive bulbs. Follow our guide to planting bulbs, then look forward to enjoying some vibrant home-grown crocus in spring. Keep reading to find out how to do it plus discover our pick of six of the best crocus to try in your own garden.
When to plant crocus
Crocus are easy to grow in any space
Crocus are so easy to grow and there are over 80 different types so you're spoiled for choice. Plant them in the right spot and they will increase nicely into sizeable clumps over time. Although autumn is the prime time for planting crocus, you can plant them up to late November or even the week or so of December before the first hard frosts really start to arrive. Miss this date and you'll probably need to wait until the following autumn to get them in the ground.
How to plant crocus bulbs
Naturalised crocus bulbs in a lawn create a pretty display in spring
A sunny spot in well-drained soil is suitable for crocus, but avoid anywhere that can become waterlogged. Always plant in groups for the best results, with each corm buried 5-10cm deep and the same distance apart. Always remember to plant your corms with the pointed tip facing upwards. After planting, apply a light dressing of bonemeal or general fertiliser, carefully working this into the soil and making sure you don't disturb the corms.
Where to plant crocus bulbs
These early spring flowers are not really ideal for garden borders where the time of maximum activity (weeding and cutting back amongst other things) happens when they are their best. But they do look fantastic when naturalised in grass as they burst up through the lawn in spring to create stunning displays of colour. If you do plant them in grass, make sure you don't mow the lawn until the flowers have died back. They also work incredibly well to create colourful spring pots and containers when planted in groups of five or more.
Do squirrels eat crocus bulbs?
Squirrels can dislodge crocus bulbs and mice like to nibble newly planted corms before they’ve had a chance to set down roots. To combat this, plant crocus bulbs as deeply as you can, but no more than 10cm, and think about covering pots with a piece of chicken wire as a temporary measure.
6 of the best crocus bulbs to plant in your garden
Consider trying one of these stunning varieties in your own garden. You'll love the colourful effect they create when they come into bloom from as early as February and then into spring.
1. Crocus ‘Jeanne d’Arc’
Crocus 'Jeanne d'Arc'
Large, white flowers have pale purple tints at the base of the petals, while the stigmas are orange and frilly. The largish corms can be planted deeper, and in thicker grass, than those of most other crocuses making them less vulnerable to being rummaged around by squirrels and mice. This one flowers in March.
2. Crocus ‘Ruby Giant’
Crocus 'Ruby Giant'
Although the name is confusing (it's neither ruby red nor a giant), this is one of the best varieties around. The petals are a deep pinkish tinged with silvery-purple, with contrasting yellow anthers. Even when closed, the sturdy stems hold the flower heads well above the leaves. Flowers in February and March.
3. Crocus biflorus 'Blue Pearl'
Crocus biflorus 'Blue Pearl'
The pretty oval petals are a lovely pale, silvery lilac-blue shade and flushed golden yellow at the centre. They form an open, cup-like flower that are pretty and delicate. Inside, they are pale blue to almost white, hence the name. Great value as each corm may produce up to four blooms. This one bursts into flower in February and March.
4. Crocus tommasinianus AGM
Crocus tommasinianus AGM
With its lovely, long-tubed flowers in a shade of purple somewhere between sapphire and lavender, this is the sort of variety that generally springs to mind when you think of 'crocus'. Blooms appear in early spring (March), along with the narrow leaves. Increasing freely, this is one of the finest crocuses for naturalising areas of lawn if you want a woodland look in your garden.
5. Chrysanthus 'Cream beauty'
Crocus Chrysanthus 'Cream beauty'
Produces pale creamy-yellow flowers, each with a deep yellow throat and bright orange stigmas. They also have a mild fragrance, so that's another box ticked. The smaller Chrysanthus varieties, known as ‘snow crocus’, tend to flower earlier than the larger hybrids. This one breaks into bloom in February and March.
6. Crocus 'Dorothy'
Crocus 'Dorothy'
For a bright, sunshiny yellow, you can't beat ‘Dorothy’. The dainty, goblet-shaped flowers are slightly bronze-shaded on the outside too for added interest. Good for pots and containers, it will also thrive if you plant it out in the garden underneath taller shrubs or trees in borders. Flowers in February and March.
Read more:
- How to plant a bulb lasagne: try this planting technique
- How to plant tulips: create stunning displays of spring colour
- How to plant daffodil bulbs: follow our top tips
-
-
Best indoor plants: 10 best air-purifying house plants
Buying Guide The best indoor plants for clean air – boost health and wellbeing with the best air purifying indoor plants for reducing VOCs and indoor pollutants
By Amy Lockwood •
-
Outdoor bar ideas: 24 stylish ways to enjoy laid-back drinks alfresco
Outdoor Living On the lookout for outdoor bar ideas? Elevate your garden entertaining this season with these inspiring designs
By Hebe Hatton •
-
The best garden parasols 2021: top patio umbrellas for shade
Buying Guide The best garden parasols for some welcome shade, from the best cantilever garden parasol to stylish patio umbrellas
By Sarah Warwick •
-
Best gas grills 2021: from Weber, Char-Broil, Napoleon and more
Buying Guide Our roundup of the best gas grills for outdoor chefs this summer, with travel and premium grills, and options for under $500
By Millie Fender •
-
Gardening expert reveals tip for growing herbs and it costs nothing
Will you be giving this gardening trick a go for spring?
By Millie Hurst •
-
Here's why you need a rain garden this winter
Gardens Rain gardens look great and are exactly what you need this wet winter. Here's why...
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How to make a garden feel modern: 11 on-trend tips to refresh your plot's planting, layout and style
How To If you're wondering how to make a garden feel modern, we've got all the tips you need to know – from outdoor fireplaces and minimalistic features to creative canopies
By Holly Crossley •
-
These are the biggest pruning mistakes you're making, according to a gardening expert
How To Are you pruning your plants correctly? Improve your technique by avoiding these errors, says a gardening expert
By Anna Cottrell •
-
How much does decking cost? What to budget for when elevating your seating area
Landscaping How much does decking cost? If you're ready to take your garden up a notch, you'll definitely want to know. Read on to find out
By Holly Crossley •
-
The most poisonous plants for dogs: the flowers and shrubs to watch out for in your garden
Plants Are you wondering what the most poisonous plants for dogs are? We've got the info you need to help keep your four-legged friend safe
By Holly Crossley •