As many people know, snowdrops are the first flowers to appear immediately after the snow melts. But it's hard not to notice that charming crocuses are among the first to appear after snowdrops. Their beauty doesn't last long, but surprisingly, these delicate spring flowers are quite resilient to frost. Their blooms last just over a week, after which they go dormant, only to delight again with their charm the following spring.
There's a variety of crocus that can delight you with its blooms in October and even November. What's special about this flower is that it requires virtually no care. Plus, these flowers produce eye-catching buds. Planting them doesn't require any special skills or knowledge. There won't be any significant costs either, because once planted, they'll be permanent fixtures in the flowerbed, bringing joy and uplifting spirits come spring.
Crocuses: planting and care in open ground. Photos can more clearly and vividly demonstrate the charm of this plant. This plant is considered a perennial, meaning it can grow in one place for a long time. According to experts, to ensure crocuses thrive, they should be dug up and replanted occasionally. However, if these flowers are growing in the lawn, it's best to leave them alone so as not to spoil the beauty of the flowerbed.
Crocus tubers are usually dug up to remove any spoiled remains of previous plants. Many crops appreciate being relocated, and crocuses are no exception. This means replanting them, separating the young bulbs that appear over time. After all, like any plant, they can become overcrowded and unable to grow to their full potential. Moreover, after replanting, as noted by experts, crocuses begin to produce more buds.
Necessary conditions for growth
Crocuses, as has long been known, thrive in nutritious, loose soil. It's also worth noting that these flowers don't like excess moisture, as it can kill them. If the soil is clayey, it should be diluted with sand, which will make the flowers more comfortable. Many gardeners face the problem of unsuitable soil for crocuses. They then create the best possible conditions by fertilizing the soil and adding supplements, such as peat. This approach ensures the flowers have adequate conditions for growth and flowering.
It's worth noting that this plant thrives in full sun and plenty of light. Based on their own experience, gardeners recommend growing crocuses in sunny areas, also because they will delight you with abundant blooms. Planting this plant in a shaded area is also possible, but the flowers will likely produce smaller buds and bloom less profusely.
Crocuses are often combined with other flowers to decorate flowerbeds. After all, it's not uncommon to see one flower fade and be replaced by another. That's why crocuses are often combined with other flowers, such as tulips or daffodils. This arrangement allows you to continually enjoy nature's gifts, delighting everyone day after day.
Many people often make the mistake of being afraid to water crocuses too often. Of course, you shouldn't let the soil dry out. After all, the young tubers developing inside require nourishment and timely watering.
Fertile soil is undoubtedly the best option for planting crocuses. However, they will still require fertilizing, as the soil will become depleted with each year the tubers are in the soil. Therefore, it's best to fertilize these plants at least once a season.
Fertilizers are typically added to the soil, for example, when loosening or watering. Here, it's important to consider what's being used for fertilizing. Crocuses love phosphorus and potassium, as potassium nourishes the tubers, which will remain healthy, while phosphorus is responsible for bud production and flowering. Adequate nutrition will provide the plant with all the necessary conditions for growth and flowering.
According to gardeners, the first feeding of these plants should occur during the sprouting period. After this, the procedure is repeated during bud formation and again after flowering has finished. This approach will ensure favorable conditions for this crop. Some experts recommend using several times more phosphorus for the first potassium feeding.
It's already known that the diversity of crocuses amazes its lovers more and more every day. Late varieties, meaning autumn ones, are planted in June. Large bulbs should be planted at least 6-10 centimeters deep. A minimum distance of 10 centimeters should be maintained, otherwise the flowers will become crowded, which will slow their growth.
It's also important to note that tubers should be cared for after the plant has finished flowering. When the leaves have faded, they should be removed along with the buds. If replanting is not planned, the plants should not be dug up but left in the same location and fertilized.
If the plants are grown outdoors, it's essential to consider the region's climate. Harsh winter temperatures often cause bulbs to simply die. To avoid this, cover the planted area with leaves or branches. If the bulbs are dug up, they should be provided with suitable storage conditions. The storage area should be well-ventilated and maintained at a temperature of 18-20 degrees Celsius.
Knowing almost everything about crocuses, we can say that this plant is unfussy and doesn't require much attention. However, both the early and late flowering periods can lift everyone's spirits, delighting their owners day after day.
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