Crocus flower record description. Crocuses: main varieties and growing secrets. Saffron: unique properties

Crocuses, or crocuses, belong to the Iris family. These are herbaceous bulbous perennials, amazing in their beauty and properties. Crocuses are legendary flowers, sung by people since ancient times. They become one of the first joys of spring, symbolizing youth and love. The world's most valuable spice, saffron, is made from the dried stigmas of the Crocus purpurea flower.

The height of this species is no more than ten centimeters. The leaves of the crocus are linear, narrow, and curled at the sides. The plant is distinguished by beautiful and bright single flowers. The natural crocus flower can be yellow or blue, with the yellow range ranging from pale yellow to bright orange, and the blue range from light blue to dark purple. Artificially bred varieties captivate with their variety of different shades. In the photo you can see how impressive two-tone colors and spotted, pattern-like colors can be.

Crocus bulbs are small - up to three centimeters in diameter. Reproduction of this species is most often carried out by corms or children, less often - seeds. When propagated by seeds, flowering can be expected only after three to four years.

Popular varieties

Depending on the time of flowering, crocuses are divided into spring-blooming and autumn-blooming. The most popular varieties today are Dutch varieties, especially large-flowered crocuses.

Among the spring varieties, flower growers are especially fond of the snow-white variety Jeanne D'Arc, variegated varieties - Pickwick and Striped Beauty;
Among the varieties of fashionable purple-bluish color: Remembrance, Grand Meter, Flower Record;
Among the hybrids of golden crocus (the so-called Chrysanthus group, which includes white-blue, cream, yellow varieties): Romance, Dorothy, Blue Pearl, Saturnus, Prince Claus, Cream Beauty;
The bright yellow Lajest Yellow and the red-purple Ruby Giant also look impressive.

Growing crocuses in open ground

This type of bulbous plant requires fertile, well-fertilized soil. In addition, the soil must be sufficiently loose. Water should not be allowed to stagnate in the soil, which is why adding sand is recommended for clay soil. Crocuses are very light-loving. The size of their flowers directly depends on good lighting, so they need to be planted in an open, sunny place.

Crocuses need to be watered regularly from the very first shoots until the end of the flowering period. The soil around the plants needs to be fluffed up so that moisture penetrates better. It is customary to fertilize crocuses only when planting, but if the flowers grow in one place for several years in a row, they need to be additionally fed. Fertilizers should contain potassium and phosphorus. The first feeding is done in the spring after the sprouts appear, the second - during the appearance of buds, and the third - at the end of the flowering period.

Planting of garden spring-blooming crocuses is carried out in the fall, in September and October, and planting of autumn crocuses - from mid-July to the end of August. Large bulbs should be planted at a depth of ten to fifteen centimeters, and smaller ones at a depth of four to eight centimeters. The distance between the bulbs should be at least five centimeters. Only if you plan to dig up crocuses after flowering, you can reduce the distance between the bulbs to three centimeters.

After garden crocuses have bloomed and faded, their leaves retain their decorative appearance for a long time, fading only in mid-summer. It must be said that crocuses bloom on average for a week, maximum two. Faded heads can be removed immediately, and leaves after wilting. The bulbs will remain overwintered in the ground until next spring (you can cover them with leaves in case of severe frosts).

If next year you want to transplant them to another place or grow them at home in a pot, you can dig up the bulbs. Then you need to sort them out and throw away damaged or diseased ones. While waiting for planting, store the bulbs in a cool room (at a temperature of eighteen to twenty degrees) and do not forget to ventilate. Also take care of protection from rodents that are not averse to eating flower bulbs.

Planting and caring for crocuses in pots at home

Growing beautiful crocuses in pots can be timed to coincide with some holiday. If you plant the bulbs on time, they will bloom at the right time - for the New Year holidays, Valentine's Day or the Eighth of March. Thus, you can create an original bright yellow, purple and blue bouquet or an elegant mix in a pot right at home. To grow holiday crocuses in an apartment, it is better to use large-flowered varieties.

To achieve flowering of crocuses by a certain date, you should correctly calculate when to plant the bulbs. On average, at home, crocuses bloom in the fifteenth to sixteenth week after planting. Thus, for the New Year holidays, bulbs need to be planted in the fall - in the second half of September, and for the Eighth of March - at the end of November. The flowerpot will need to be wide, with not too high walls and sufficient holes for good drainage.

The bulbs should be planted closely - this way they will look more impressive in a living bouquet. The soil for crocuses should be sandy. For a period of twelve to fourteen weeks, the pot containing the planted bulbs should be placed in a cool, dark place, such as a basement or garage. The recommended temperature is from five to nine degrees Celsius. If the sprouts appear already in the tenth week, lower the temperature slightly, as there will be a risk of getting flowers earlier than planned.

Two weeks before the desired day, the flowerpot can be moved indoors. First, leave it in a cool corridor, after a few days bring it into the room, and after a while put it on a bright windowsill. This way your crocuses will arrive exactly on time. In the last two weeks, you need to water the flowers every other day or two, and before that - occasionally, as the top layer of soil dries out. They tolerate room air normally and do not need spraying.

Home care for blooming crocuses

Proper lighting and temperature are of great importance for the long-lasting decorative appearance of flowers. At home, optimal care will help plants bloom longer, in some cases up to three weeks. Crocuses do not bloom for a long time in bright light - not only solar, but also artificial. Excess light causes them to rapidly bloom and fade just as quickly.

Some gardeners may be wondering why flowers wither quickly? This occurs when the air temperature reaches twenty degrees Celsius or higher, so the best way to care for them is to protect them from direct sunlight or artificial rays and keep them at a temperature of fourteen to sixteen degrees. For better results, at night you can lower the temperature to minus one degree. When the flowering period is over, the bulbs can be dug out from the flowerpot. You can simply throw them away or try planting them in open ground in the spring to get new babies.

If you plan to use the bulbs for re-forcing flowers, you need to care for them in a special way. The soil in the flowerpot must be nutritious, and in addition they will need two feedings. The first should be done before growth begins, and the second after flowering. You can use ammonium and potassium nitrate as a fertilizer.

Saffron: unique properties

The most expensive and healing of all known spices, saffron, is made from the stigmas of the purple crocus. This unique spice not only gives dishes an exquisite taste, but also has the ability to treat more than a hundred diseases. Saffron can be taken for insomnia, hangover, headache or need to reduce hunger. It contains serotonin, which can improve mood, reduce pain, and cure depression. Saffron contains useful elements such as calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, carotene, riboflamin and many other biologically active substances that strengthen and heal the human body.

Saffron is a perennial corm plant from the Iris or Kasatikovy family. In floriculture it is called crocus. Crocus is used in landscape design as an ornamental plant. Dried stigmas of saffron flowers are used as a spice and orange food coloring. In the food industry, saffron is used to color cheeses, liqueurs, butter and soft drinks. There are some known health benefits of this plant.
Crocus is a spring flower that blooms even earlier than the tulip, but its flowering does not last long - about 10 days. It’s not for nothing that we associate spring pictures with crocuses. By planting crocuses in a flowerbed, you will get delicate and beautiful flowers (pictured) that will delight the eye with bright colors, and we will discuss planting recommendations and caring for them below.

Homeland: Mediterranean, Central Europe, Asia, Middle East.

Flowering: early spring or autumn - depends on the species.

Height: short.

Light: open sunny location.

Temperature: during the day 14 to 16 °C, and at night -1 to -3 °C.

Top dressing: for perennial plantings - three times per season, for annual plantings - fertilizing the soil before planting.

Transfer: mid-summer.

Reproduction: Children, seeds. Sowing in autumn. They emerge the following spring and begin to bloom in the fourth year.

Varieties of crocuses

The genus of crocuses is very numerous, there are more than 80 species, half of which are grown for decorative purposes. Crocus flower - in the photo picture:

Crocuses are classified according to a rather complex scheme. The main parameters for classifying crocuses are:

Flowering time -

spring and autumn blooming.

Flower color -

yellow-flowered and blue-flowered. The exceptions are golden and white, bred artificially.

Separation according to botanical characteristics -

small-flowered and large-flowered are Dutch hybrids, which are obtained from spring crocus.

Let's look at the most popular types.

Crocus sativa (C. sativus)

an industrial variety; the famous spice “saffron” is obtained from its flowers. Crocus reaches a height of 10-30 cm. The flowers are white or light purple with a very pleasant violet scent. India, the main country for the production of saffron, is considered to be the birthplace of the flower (see photo pictures).

Crocus Pallas (C. pallasii) -

low-growing variety (5-6 cm), light purple flowers with a pink tint, purple base. The corolla of the flower is about 4.5 cm.

Blooms in September and blooms throughout the month. It grows naturally in Asia, the Balkans and Crimea.

Crocus Sharoyan (C. scharojanii) -

The flowers are bright orange and bloom in late August.

Beautiful crocus (C. speciosus) -

one of the most popular types. The flowers are large (up to 12 cm in diameter), violet-blue, with veins of a darker shade. The flowers are fragrant (see photo pictures).

Autumn flower, blooms in September. In the natural environment it grows in the Crimea, the Balkans, the Caucasus and Asia.

Scottish crocus or two-flowered (C. biflorus) -

This crocus has purple or red petals, which is quite rare for crocuses. It grows naturally in the Caucasus, Asia and southwestern Europe.

Crocus Alexandri -

a very original and decorative flower: inside it is snow-white, and outside the dark purple petals are bordered by a narrow white edge.

(C. vernus) -

a widespread spring species, found in nature in Alpine meadows and the Pyrenees. Flowers up to 5 cm in diameter are lilac or violet in color (see photo pictures). It is this species that serves as the basis for the selection of different types of crocuses.

Golden crocus (C. chrysanthus) -

blooms in April, its height is up to 20 cm, the leaves are narrow, the flowering period is up to 20 days. The natural color is golden yellow, however, many hybrids with two-color coloring have been obtained with it.

Crocus Korolkova (C. korolkowii Maw ex Regel) -

The flower comes from Central Asia. It is bright yellow in color, with red outer stripes, up to 6 cm high. Russian breeders developed varieties based on it: Kiss of Spring, Glory to Samarkand, Tiger.

(C. flavus Weston) -

blooms in April with golden-orange flowers up to 10 cm in diameter (see photo pictures). The height of the plant is about 20 cm. It is found in nature in the Balkans and Asia Minor. The hybrid variety Largest Yellow has even larger flowers, cup-shaped, dark yellow, with dark stripes along the outside.

Crocus Sibera (C. sieberi) -

has a non-standard three-color coloring (light pink, purple, yellow). The plant is up to 10 cm high. Its homeland is mountainous Greece, Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Flower Record (Flower Record) -

crocus, which is ideal for forcing with flowers of lilac-purple color.

(C. tomasinianus) -

considered the most unpretentious primrose. It blooms in early April with pink-lilac flowers 3-5 cm (pictured). It does not require special care, grows even in shaded places, and adapts well to any conditions. It grows naturally in Bulgaria and the Balkans.

Planting and care

Planting crocuses will require you to create the following conditions:

The soil for crocus should be fertile and loose. It is good to fertilize it with compost and manure. If you plan to plant crocuses in clay soil, having fertilized it first, be sure to add sand.
To grow large and beautiful crocus flowers, you need to plant it in the most illuminated place. Planting crocus in partial shade will result in smaller crocus flowers.

Watering flowers should begin immediately after the first shoots appear. In order to ensure optimal moisture penetration, you need to lightly fluff up the soil before watering. Crocuses need to be watered regularly throughout the flowering period.
There is almost no need to fertilize crocuses if the soil was fertilized before planting. But if you have them growing in one place for several years in a row, then it is advisable to feed them. For crocus, it is good to use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Phosphorus promotes the formation of buds and prolongs flowering, and potassium helps the development of bulbs. The first fertilizing can be applied when the first sprout appears, or immediately before. The second can be applied at the moment the buds appear, the third - after the crocus has faded. The first feeding should contain more potassium.

Most crocuses are spring flowers, but there are also varieties that bloom in the fall.

Fall bulbs are planted in the summer, while spring crocuses should be planted in September or October.

Large-caliber bulbs sink 12 cm into the ground, small ones - 5 cm.
The distance between flowers should be 5 cm. But, if you want to dig up the bulbs every year, then the distance between them can be reduced to 3 cm.

In summer, crocus leaves wither and dry out, so they need to be removed. Crocuses are frost-resistant, but if the winters in your region are harsh, then it is better to cover the plants with spruce branches.

When planting crocus as an annual, it is better to dig up the bulbs in the summer. The dug up bulbs should be cleaned of dry leaves, calibrated and removed. Bulbs are stored at 18-22 degrees and preferably with access to air.

Crocuses are flowers that can be grown at home. But care and planting, accordingly, are slightly different.

Crocus in the apartment

To grow crocus at home, you need to select certain planting material. There are many varieties of crocus, but not everyone likes to live indoors.

Large-flowered Dutch hybrid crocuses feel best in a pot. This type of crocus will produce a large and spectacular color, as in the photo:

If we talk in more detail about the varieties, then we need to focus on the flowering time.

If you want the crocus to bloom by the New Year, then choose early varieties, and if you want to get flowering by May, then choose late ones.

The home crocus, its size, appearance and flowering, will also depend on the size of the planting material.

It is better to grow indoor flowers from bulbs no smaller than 5 cm in size. The larger the bulb, the sooner the crocus will give color.

Indoor crocuses are often grown in pots: white Joan of Arc (see photo pictures), lilac Remembrance, blue Vangart.

It is advisable to buy bulbs in August.
Caring for different varieties of crocuses grown at home is the same.

Planting and growing crocus in a pot, according to the conditions, should be close to natural. This means that an indoor crocus must go through the following stages:

If the bulbs are dug out of the ground, then they must be calibrated and dried.
Cooling the bulbs. This stage should also be applied to purchased bulbs. To cool, place the planting material in the refrigerator. The later you need a flowering indoor crocus, the longer the cooling should continue.
Rooting is planting bulbs in pots. Crocus should be planted in loose soil. You can plant indoor crocuses in containers, several in each. Bulbs of the same variety and size should be planted in a container, close to each other. When planting, the bulbs need to be pressed slightly into the ground, leaving only a centimeter neck on the surface. After the bulbs are planted, the soil should be lightly compacted and the pots should be placed in a cool place with a temperature of 5-9 °C. Rooting lasts two to two and a half months. No maintenance is required.
Forcing. Indoor crocuses should be grown 15 days before the desired flowering date. By this time they will have already taken root, as evidenced by 5-centimeter sprouts. For forcing, containers or pots should be moved to the windowsill. Having provided the conditions, you will receive an indoor flowering crocus within 14 days (see photos below). During forcing, flower care should consist of maintaining the desired temperature and watering. You need to water 3 times a week. Indoor crocuses tolerate dry air well - they do not need to be sprayed.
Crocus blooms quickly at 20°C. After a few hours, the crocus may lose its color if it is not protected from the sun in time and the temperature is not reduced to 14 °C, and at night to -1 °C. If you provide such conditions for home crocuses, they will bloom for three weeks.

We told you how to grow crocuses both at home and in the garden, and now I would like to point out this fact: a crocus is not only a flower, but there is also such a thing as a crocus color. The crocus color is very popular in a brand like Milavitsa. Milavitsa is a well-known company producing lingerie. And the color crocus, of all the colors presented by the Milavitsa brand, has occupied a leading position for many years.

We bring to your attention a video about the types of crocuses and their cultivation.

Crocus grandiflora It has a very impressive and bright shade that will stand out in any corner of your garden. Large-flowered crocuses are ideal as a potted plant and are an excellent living gift for women on March 8th.

The flowering period of the crocus occurs in March-April, forming large, goblet-shaped purple-violet petals with a pearlescent sheen, the base of the petals is dark purple, the diameter of the flower is 6-8 cm, the stamens are bright yellow. Buds Crocus Flower Record bloom on a strong peduncle up to 15 cm high, the aroma is subtle, pleasant, the flowering period is 10-20 days. The leaves are green, linear with a white vein, and continue to grow for a long time even after the flowers fade. Crocus Flower Record looks good in flower beds and borders in groups, great for growing on rocky hills.

Crocuses prefer sunny, wind-protected, loose, well-drained soil. Crocuses are dug up in June after the leaves have dried. The recommended time for planting crocuses is August-September, when the bulbs are dormant. When planting crocus bulbs in pots, they are transferred to a dry, well-ventilated room with a temperature of 18-20C. Planting depth is 5-15 cm depending on the size of the bulb, the distance between crocuses is 7-10 cm from each other. Reproduction of crocuses occurs by children - daughter corms, which are formed from buds sitting in the axils of the scales. Most crocuses are winter-hardy, but in the fall it is better to cover the bulb plantings with leaves, which are removed with the arrival of spring.

Delivery of crocuses Flower Record carried out using the services of the Russian Post and transport companies, delivery by air mail and courier is possible.

In order to order and buy crocuses Flower Record In our online store of seedlings and flowers, use the “Add to cart” button, after filling it, click “Place an order”.

Only professional series of planting material are on sale, which will guaranteed to be the variety you need, excellent quality and high viability. The price for crocuses is per package.

Delivery terms:

Sending orders with flower bulbs: from September 1 in the fall (shipping restrictions in accordance with the customer’s climate zone).

What these spring flowers look like:

Large-flowered crocuses or Dutch crocus hybrids were developed at the end of the 19th century, as a result of crossing spring, yellow and narrow-leaved crocuses. Unlike wild species, they bloom a little later - from March to April. But what kind of flowers do they have? This is just a miracle! They are large and bright: the calyxes of the flowers are pot-bellied and reach a height of 5-10 cm. The petals are painted in the most saturated colors: violet, purple, yellow, blue, lilac. Snow-white and striped two-color varieties are also common. Contrasting bright yellow stamens are located in the center. Flowers are single or in “bouquets” of 2-3 pieces.

Large-flowered crocuses are one of the hardiest crocus species. That's why they should grow in every garden! Foliage of large-flowered crocuses appears at the end of flowering. Externally, the leaves look like blades of grass. There is a light stripe in the center of each leaf.

Dutch large-flowered varieties of crocuses used for distillation at home. If you are new to forcing, we recommend purchasing Dutch planting material. These bulbs are already sorted and prepared for forcing. Once you plant them, you will not have any problems with forcing them out. Such bulbs can be purchased in specialized stores until the New Year.

To have blooming large-flowered crocuses for the New Year, purchase the bulbs in late August to the first half of September, and immediately begin cooling. This is done so that the bulbs “believe” that winter has come. If you want crocuses in bloom by March 8th, simply extend the cooling period. You can calculate the flowering time in advance. The bulbs take about three months to cool and take root.

When choosing planting material, pay attention to the appearance of the bulbs so that there is no damage (rot or mold), they should be dense to the touch.

Application:

These crocuses look good in group plantings in flower beds, lawns, under tree canopies, borders and rock gardens. Suitable for growing in pots and tubs. Grows in sun or partial shade. They bloom for a long time - from 10 to 17 days, depending on the variety. To save space in a flower bed or container, crocuses can be planted on top of other bulbous plants. You need to divide and replant every four to five years. Attention! Mice can eat the corms. Flowering period is March-April. Plant height – 8-15 cm.

The best varieties :

Crocus vernus pickwick

Crocus Yellow Giant - New! Hybrid. The Yellow Giant Crocus is absolutely stunning! This variety has sunny golden yellow flowers with an orange tinted center. It multiplies quickly and blooms very early. Its color, winter hardiness and early flowering make this plant popular and in demand among gardeners. Other name: Spring saffron. A perennial ephemeral plant that belongs to the Kasatikov family. This is one of the late flowering crocuses. This variety captivates with large, elegant flowers! Each corm produces several golden-yellow flowers with a sheen. They open in sunny weather and close in rainy weather and at night. The shape of the flowers is cup-shaped. Stigmas are yellow-orange in color. The leaves are shiny, narrow, dark green. This hybrid is ideal for growing in containers. The height of the plant is about 10 cm, width is 5 cm. It blooms for 3 weeks in March-April.

Crocus vernus Flower Record – this flower attracts bees, butterflies, and birds to the garden, as their large flowers of light blue with a hint of purple are emphasized by yellow-hot, thin queens visible from afar. They reach a height of 12 cm and look great in a clearing or on an alpine hill. They bloom in April.

Crocus vernus Jeanne d' Arc (Joan of Arc) – This plant is suitable for growing both indoors and outdoors. It has snow-white flowers with a soft lilac base. They reach a height of 8-15 cm and look great in a clearing or on an alpine hill. They bloom in April.

Crocus Remembrance – hybrid. Other name: Spring saffron. This is one of the late flowering crocuses. First appeared on the market in 1925. This variety captivates with large, elegant flowers! Each corm produces several violet-lilac flowers with a silvery sheen. They open in sunny weather or when it is clear and close in rainy weather and at night. The shape of the flowers is cup-shaped. Stigmas are yellow-orange in color. The leaves are shiny, narrow, dark green. They begin to grow from the bulb during flowering, and fully develop after flowering. Looks good in groups on lawns, in rock gardens, in flowerbeds in compositions with other early flowering low-growing plants. Ideal for growing in containers. Plant height – 10-15 cm, width – 5 cm. It blooms for 3 weeks in March-April.

Crocus Grand Maitre - Hybrid. Giant crocus! Other name: Spring saffron. An ephemeral plant that belongs to the Kasatikov family. Released in 1924. This is one of the late flowering crocuses. And you can’t take your eyes off the beautiful flowers! They are large, bell-shaped, funnel-shaped, and lavender blue with a slight hint of purple. The branched stigmas that peek out from the corolla are orange. They create a bright accent and attract attention. The leaves are shiny, narrow, dark green in color, with a silvery-white marking down the middle of the leaf. They begin to grow from the bulb during flowering, and fully develop after flowering. The corms are large and flattened. They usually produce 2 flowers. This variety grows up to 8-15 cm in height and up to 7 cm in width. Ideal for growing outdoors and in containers. Flowering time is mid-spring.

Crocus King of the Striped (King of the Striped) – white petals with lilac-violet stripes and yellow stamens look very beautiful. When closed, the crocus flower resembles a glass in shape, and when open, it resembles an asterisk. These flowers reach a height of 8-13 cm. They bloom in March - April.

Crocus Yellow Giant - New! Hybrid. The Yellow Giant Crocus is absolutely stunning! This variety has sunny golden yellow flowers with an orange tinted center. It multiplies quickly and blooms very early. Its color, winter hardiness and early flowering make this plant popular and in demand among gardeners. It is one of the late-blooming crocuses. This variety captivates with large, elegant flowers! Each corm produces several golden-yellow flowers with a sheen. They open in sunny weather and close in rainy weather and at night. The shape of the flowers is cup-shaped. Stigmas are yellow-orange in color. The leaves are shiny, narrow, dark green. The height of the plant is about 10 cm, width is 5 cm. It blooms for 3 weeks in March-April.

Crocus Flower Record – this flower attracts bees, butterflies, birds, as their large flowers of light blue with a hint of purple are emphasized by yellow-hot, thin queens visible from afar. Crocus is one of the earliest flowers to appear after winter. They reach a height of 12 cm and look great in a clearing or on an alpine hill. They bloom in April.

Crocus vernus pickwick – small light petals with purple plumage look good on an alpine hill or in flower beds. It is possible to grow crocus in pots. They reach a height of 8-13 cm. They usually bloom in April.

Crocus vernus Negro Boy (Negro boy) – dark purple petals with a purple-black base are united into one flower with bright yellow stamens. They reach a height of 10 - 15 cm and look great in a clearing or on an alpine hill. They bloom in March - April. The best time for planting is August-September, when the plant is still dormant. Optis = short time for planting: autumn, until early November.

Crocuses are one of the very first early-blooming small-bulbous spring flowers. Currently, more than one hundred species and varieties of these beautiful plants are known. However, in our gardens and parks they are undeservedly rare. Some people think that there is no point in planting them, since they bloom too early, when no one is going to the dacha yet. Others classify them as too exotic plants. Having carefully examined all the arguments and photographs below, you can easily see that this is not entirely true.

Crocus is a bulbous plant belonging to the iris (iris) family. Grows in Europe, Western and Central Asia. Blooming crocuses are a truly impressive and very beautiful sight. These are one of the first heralds of the awakening of nature and the final arrival of spring. In areas they bloom much earlier than most tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Plant 3-4 dozen crocuses in different parts of your garden, or even better, several hundred different varieties of crocuses and other early spring small-bulbous plants, and spring will come to your site several weeks earlier than to other inhabitants of your garden community. But you still have to go to the dacha, starting from the end of March - beginning of April, to open roses, conifers and other plants, put the area in order and do the first spring pruning of plants.

Crocuses usually have small corms that are flat, flat-round or spherical in shape, covered with a membranous shell. The flowers are goblet-shaped, directed upward, with 6 petals on small shortened stems. Blooming flowers can be star-shaped or cup-shaped and come in a variety of colors. The leaves are small and narrow, linear, dark green, often with a white stripe or veins in the center. Every year the old corm is replaced, and in its place 2-5 new corms and a baby are formed. Flowers are pollinated by insects. The ovary forms underground, but over time the fruit (a triangular capsule with seeds) is pushed to the surface, where the crocus seeds ripen. If they are not collected in time, self-seeding may occur.

Crocus bulbs are edible, so they often attract a variety of small rodents. They can be boiled, baked or prepared in other ways, but the most valuable part of the plant is their stigmas, from which a very expensive and tasty spice, medicine and natural dye are prepared.

The species diversity of crocuses is simply amazing. Not only are there many different species, but there are also many different varieties and hybrids created on their basis. There are quite a lot of different classifications of this interesting plant, but all of them, as a rule, are too cumbersome and not always perfect. In my opinion, the simplest and most perfect classification is that proposed by D. G. Hession. He divided all crocuses into 3 groups, differing in flowering time and flower size.

Early spring crocuses

This group includes several species, but the most widely known and widespread is Golden-flowered crocus, or golden (Crocuschrysanthus), which is often called snow crocus due to its early flowering .

Its flowers and leaves reach a height of 8-9 cm. Its flowers are medium-sized, of various shades and colors, mostly yellow, cream and blue, with clearly visible stigmas. They appear in very early spring, sometimes even simultaneously with snowdrops, almost among half-melted snow. This flowering is very spectacular, since it is the very first and brightest, and foreshadows the final arrival of spring. And although frosts will return more than once and even snow will fall several times, nothing will stop the development of this beauty. This species is distinguished not only by its abundant flowering, but also by its pleasant, faint aroma. Well-known varieties are representatives of this group: Blue Pearl, blue-blue with a yellow bottom; E. A. Bowles - with large dark yellow flowers for this species; Cream Beauty - with creamy yellow and orange stigmas; Princess Beatrix, blue with yellow base; Snowbunting - white with yellow base. And in two or three weeks, depending on weather conditions, larger spring-blooming crocuses will bloom.

Spring blooming crocuses

These are the most famous and widespread crocuses in our country. They are also called large-flowered or giant crocuses. They bloom in March - April, a week or two later than the representatives of the previous group. Moreover, all plants of this group are noticeably larger than the varieties of the Chrysanthus group. Their height can reach 12-15 cm. Most of the known large-flowered hybrid crocuses are created on the basis Crocus spring(Crocus vernus) by crossing different species. The flowers of this group have a wide variety of colors and shades - from snow-white to light purple and dark purple, not only yellow.

The most famous varieties of this group: Jeanna D "Arc - snow-white flowers with a purple base; King of Striped, Pickwick and Striped Beauty - variegated striped varieties with a violet-white color. Varieties Vanguard, Remembrance and Flower Record have a lilac or violet-purple color various shades.

The variety of colors of spring-flowering crocuses is complemented by a large-flowered variety yellow crocus (Crocus flavus), found under different names - Golden Yellow, Yellow Mamoth, Lagest Yellow. Elegant coloring - purple with a yellow bottom, the varieties differ Crocus Sieber (Crocus sieberi). The tricolor variety Tricolor looks especially cheerful, with a yellow spot at the base of the purple petals surrounded by a white border.

Autumn-blooming crocuses

Depending on the species and region of growth, flowering in this group of crocuses lasts from September to early December. However, in autumn-blooming crocuses, leaves, like all other species, appear in the spring and die off around mid-June. This group includes: Crocus pale ocher (Crocusochroleucus), with small cream flowers, Crocus holoflora (Crocus nudiflorus), with purple flowers, Long-flowered crocus (Crocus longiflorus), blooming in November, Crocus smoothed (Crocus laeviatus), one of the late bloomers.

Beautiful crocus (Crocusspeciosus)- the most common type of autumn-blooming crocus. It blooms in September, earlier than all other crocuses. Flowers up to 20 cm high, with small longitudinal veins, violet, lilac, blue and white. Very unpretentious. As it grows, it can occupy very large areas over time. All autumn crocuses look good against the background of various sedums, perennial asters and, especially, brightly colored ornamental shrubs or various conifers.

A special place among autumn crocuses occupies Crocus sativa, or saffron (Crocus sativus). It is its stigmas with stamens that are that valuable medicine, seasoning and dye, which is extracted during industrial cultivation and sold for a lot of money. Dried saffron stigmas contain essential oils, calcium, phosphorus, glycosides, vitamins and the dye crocin, which dissolves in water. This dye was used to dye clothes in bright sunny colors long before our era. As a spice, saffron has a bitter-spicy taste and a very pronounced smell. It is added to flour products, when preparing meat, fish, and various rice dishes.

Crocuses in the landscape

Crocus bulbs can be found on sale from mid-August until almost December. Any blooming crocuses look very good in small groups, creating their own unique pattern. Usually they reach only 8 - 15 cm in height, and therefore are of practically no interest to vandals, and they lift your spirits for several weeks in advance! Past my windows, dozens of mothers, grandmothers and grandfathers lead their children to kindergarten. And when dozens of crocuses bloom in front of my windows every year, children and their mothers simply cannot take their eyes off this spectacle!

So, let's look at some of the most common options for using crocuses in garden, park and homestead design. Due to their small height, amazing unpretentiousness and a large number of very bright and variegated colors, crocuses are ideal for small flower beds in front of residential buildings and offices, for rockeries and alpine slides. At the same time, their flowers often have a subtle, pleasant aroma that attracts the first spring insects and even sometimes butterflies!

Crocuses will look no less attractive along the edges of borders, along paths in the garden, in parks, in the foreground of mixborders and in floor vases. The flowering time of crocus in the middle zone usually occurs at the end of March - mid or end of April and can last, with the correct selection of varieties, up to five to six weeks. By skillfully choosing a place for planting, you can significantly extend their flowering period. For example, near the southern wall of the house they will bloom 2-3 weeks earlier than in some shady place, and vice versa, flowering will be delayed if the same varieties are planted under tall trees, near the northern wall, a blind fence or under tall and dense conifers .

Crocuses can be planted separately, creating mass landscape plantings, or together with early species or botanical tulips, low and medium-sized daffodils and hyacinths. They will fit perfectly into any, even shady, corner of a garden or park, and will look appropriate and original in any early spring flower bed or the edge of a nearby forest.

Few garden plants can compare in beauty and grace with blooming crocuses, stretching their bright heads towards the rays of the gentle sun. The main participants in the beginning of the grandiose early spring show, they are so funny and diverse that sometimes it is not at all easy to choose the species and varieties that suit you.

Crocuses reproduce quite easily and quickly. Typically the multiplication factor is 1:2...1:5. Therefore, once every three to four years, overgrown nests have to be divided. Dividing should begin when the foliage of the plants is completely dry. As a rule, this is done towards the end of June - beginning of July.

If your crocuses are planted on regularly mowed lawns, then the first mowing of the lawn should be done as late as possible so that the corms have time to store as many nutrients as possible through their variegated green leaves for abundant and friendly flowering next year. But as soon as you notice that the crocus foliage has begun to turn a little yellow and dry out, you can safely carry out the first haircut! Although my personal experience suggests that the significantly trimmed leaves remaining after cutting still continue to develop and increase green mass for some time, continuing to store useful substances for the next flowering, albeit not as intensively as they could do. no haircut. However, there is always another way out - to plant these beautiful and funny plants every year in the fall, because they, as a rule, are not that expensive, especially for those who can afford a large, beautiful and well-groomed lawn on their property.

Storing bulbs of early and spring flowering crocuses before planting in late September - October (and even in extreme cases, early November) is similar to storing other bulbous bulbs. This means digging, drying in the open air in the shade, followed by storage in a warm (more than +20...25 0 C) and dry room. Autumn crocuses, as a rule, are planted immediately after purchase - in August-October. But it is better, if possible, to do this in August - early September.

Crocuses are not very demanding and grow on almost any well-cultivated soil, but they develop better on light, well-drained and humus-rich substrates. All crocuses prefer well-lit places, although many species and varieties are quite tolerant of shade and partial shade. But often they manage to bloom long before foliage appears on many fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.

Usually, under all bulbous plants, it is recommended to add coarse-grained river sand with a low content of clay inclusions, as well as well-rotted manure. The planting depth for crocuses, like most bulbous plants, is approximately 2.5-3 times the height of the bulb, counting from the bottom. The planting distance between plants depends on the type and purpose of planting and varies from 3 to 10 cm. Crocuses respond well to mineral fertilizing. The first spring feeding is carried out almost in the snow, the second - immediately before flowering. In the first case, a slight predominance of nitrogen and phosphorus is desirable, in the second - phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizer consumption is on average 30-40 g/sq.m.

Good luck with your experiments in growing these incredibly beautiful plants!