Fortunately for gardeners, it's not necessary to determine the right time to dig up crocuses after flowering every year. This flower can grow in the same spot for several years without the need for annual digging. This is a big plus, considering that these flowers only bloom for about a week. Typically, by mid-June, the plant has finished blooming, and the leaves begin to wilt, after which the bulb enters a dormant period until the following year.
Once the dormant period has begun and all the leaves have fallen, the crocus is ready to be dug up. This isn't necessary every year, however, as the delicate flowers can grow in the same spot for about five years without constant bulb digging. However, to sort through the bulbs and remove any diseased or potentially damaged areas, many gardeners dig up the planting material every year. Furthermore, once the bulbs are removed from the ground, you can find a new location for the crocuses next year. Did you know? How to grow a watermelon outdoors in the Moscow region?
What's important to know about when to dig up crocuses after flowering in open ground:
- Crocuses can be grown in the same spot for 4-5 years without digging. After that, the plant's nests will become too large and require division.
- When the leaves turn yellow, the bulb can be dug up. Then, be sure to let it air dry for a couple of days. After this, remove the dried leaves and roots, and sort them;
- Once the bulbs have been sorted, they should be laid out in a thin layer in wooden boxes and stored in a dry, dark place where there is constant ventilation;
- Store the bulbs from the time they're dug up (somewhere around June) until August at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). If the temperature is lower, flower buds won't form in the planting material. This means the crocus won't bloom after planting.
- In August, it's best to lower the storage temperature by a couple of degrees, and then drop it to 15 degrees. This is necessary to further harden the planting material;
- The bulbs should be replanted in open ground at the end of August (for autumn flowering) or at the end of September (for spring flowering);
- The depth of planting bulbs in the ground should not exceed 8 centimeters;
What features should you keep in mind?
So, determining when to dig up crocuses after flowering is fairly easy. But it's important to remember that these flowers bloom in spring or fall. This will determine the timing of the new planting bulbs Into open ground. Spring crocuses can be planted even in early October, along with tulips, for example. As for fall blooms, planting should take place in the last weeks of August.
Large bulbs can be planted at a depth of up to 12 cm, but smaller ones shouldn't be planted more than 5 cm deep. Space bulbs 5 cm or more apart. This is especially important for gardeners who won't be digging up their crocuses every year. The leaves begin to dry out by mid-summer, so if digging is planned, this is the best time to do so.
Advice! If the bulbs are left in the ground over the winter, it is recommended to cover them with spruce branches or simply fallen leaves. This is especially important in regions with harsh winters.
Crocus It doesn't bloom for long, but it's very beautiful.This plant is very low-maintenance, whether grown in a garden bed or indoors. Many growing conditions, including temperature and watering, are similar to those of hyacinths. Interestingly, crocuses were once widely used in cooking. Even today, their bulbs can be found on the menus of many world-renowned restaurants.
You don't have to rush the process of digging up crocuses after flowering. Once every five years is sufficient. However, some gardeners dig them up annually. This doesn't affect flowering in any way, but annual digging is recommended to prevent various diseases and pests. However, we emphasize again, it's not absolutely necessary.
Do crocuses need to be dug up after flowering?