Crocuses in Barnhill
Crocus spp.
Hardy spring-flowering bulbs for free-draining soil. Plant them in autumn in sun or light shade, then leave the foliage to die back naturally after flowering so the bulbs can store energy for the next year.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Crocus
Planting Calendar
Plant Corms
6 Sept – 6 OctPlant corms during 6th September - 6th October, pointy end up, at a depth of about in free-draining soil. Space them apart and water in thoroughly straight after planting.
Enjoy the Flowers
28 Jan – 24 MarFrom 28th January to 24th March, keep the plants in a sunny or lightly shaded spot and avoid overwatering. The blooms are good for cutting, but pick sparingly so the display lasts longer.
Deadhead Spent Blooms
2 Feb – 3 AprRemove faded flowers during 2nd February - 3rd April so the corm puts energy into next year’s growth. Leave the foliage untouched for at least six weeks after flowering, and don’t tie it up or cut it back early.
Let Foliage Die Back
28 May – 12 JulKeep the leaves in place from 28th May until they yellow and collapse naturally. This feeds the corm for next year, so only tidy away the tops once they come away easily.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Crocus.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Crocus to consider
Ruby Giant
Large violet-blue flowers with a strong show in late winter and early spring.
Blue Pearl
Pale blue flowers that work well in pots and the front of borders.
Flower Record
Reliable purple flowers that naturalise well in grass and open borders.
Golden Yellow
Clear yellow flowers for a bright early display in beds and containers.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
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Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Crocus timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.