Crocus spp.
Crocus spp.
Monthly Theme: At least we have spring
When I see the purple bell-shaped faces of the Crocus spp. forcefully pushing through the cold, snowy or muddy ground, I know spring is finally around the corner. When everything is dreary and dark, the splash of color from this petite yet sturdy plant takes my breath away. After a lengthy Ohio winter, I long to see the bulbs of spring blossom once again. Tulips, daffodils’, acidantheras’, hyacinths, snowdrops, and crocuses all remind us that winter is over and summer is just around the corner.
With the fear of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) hanging over our heads, we need the beauty of spring more than ever. I long to be outside, with the breeze blowing through my hair, dirt between my fingers, and the robins singing. It’s been a difficult March and it looks like it won’t end anytime soon. So, at least we have spring.
Some people plant these bulbs (known as corms) right in the middle of their lawns for a blanket of color in the spring. However, if you decide to do this, you will need to hold off on mowing until June. In my yard, I only have purple and a few white crocuses, but they come in shades of blue, purple, lavender, mauve, red, white, pink, and yellow.
Crocus are ideal for Ohio because they can handle temperatures down to -20 degrees. The cold won’t kill them, but squirrels and chipmunks might dig them up for dinner.
The crocus (plural crocuses or croci) bulbs are native to the Alps, central and eastern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia and China. Fortunately, they have adapted to North American and are now a common site across our landscapes. There are more than 90 known species of crocus. So, there are lots to choose from!
How to Plant
Choose a location with 3-6 hours of sun.
In the fall, plant the corms tip side up 3”-4” deep and 3”-4” apart. Plant them in groups of 12 for a nice showing.
Place bone meal in each hole.
Water thoroughly and cover with organic mulch.
Smarty Plants Fun Facts
Crocus is a genus of flowering plants in the iris family (Iridaceae)
Low maintenance
3”-6” Height; 1”-2” Width
Prefer soil pH of 6-7
The More You Grow
Crocus means thread, referring to its long, thread-like stamens. The spice saffron is obtained from the stigmas of Crocus sativus. The Sanskrit word for saffron is kunkumam. The English name is adopted from 16th-century Latin, but Old English already used the word croh for saffron. Cultivation and harvesting Crocus sativus for saffron was first documented on the island of Crete. It takes approximately 4,000 flowers to produce just one ounce of saffron!
Besides seasoning, saffron has been used as a fabric dye, an air freshener in ancient Rome, and for its medicinal values to treat asthma, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Saffron was even used in Medieval manuscripts. For the manuscripts, monks mixed egg whites and saffron to produce a yellow glaze that was used as a substitute for gold. In 2019, Saffron cost 30,000 euro per kilogram making it the most expensive spice in the world. Due to climate change, specifically the lack of rain, saffron cultivation in Kashmir has suffered. Saffron must be harvested by hand and the three stigmas of each flower are manually separated and dried. Talk about labor-intensive work. Since its so valuable, ground saffron is frequently adulterated by the addition of substitutes; therefore, experts advise you only purchase whole threads.
A myth from ancient Greece told the story of a human youth named Crocus who had an affair with a nymph named Smilax. He became unhappy with the relationship so the gods turned him into a plant and Smilax into a yew tree. Other stories said, Crocus killed himself when the gods refused to permit him to marry Smilax. Afterward, Flora, goddess of flowers, turned them both into plants.
In the language of flowers, the crocus means gladness, cheerfulness, and wealth. White crocuses represent truth, innocence, and purity. The purple varieties imply success, pride, and dignity. The yellow flowers mean joy. Some believe the crocus inspires love.
“The feet of people walking home
With gayer sandals go-
The Crocus-till she rises
The Vassal of the snow-
The lips at Hallelujah
Long years of practise bore
Till bye and bye these Bargemen
Walked singing on the shore.”
Emily Dickinson, 1858