Crocus bulbs can add a cheerful pop of color to lawns and gardens when they bloom in early spring. Their flowers come in shades of purple yellow white, orange and more, brightening up dormant winter landscapes. Planting crocus bulbs in grass can create a beautiful, naturalized look as the blooms emerge right from your lawn.
Crocus bulbs can do well when planted in grass if you plan ahead and take care of them. Here is a full guide on how to plant crocus bulbs successfully in your lawn.
Choosing the Right Crocus Varieties
Not all crocus varieties are well-suited for planting in grass. The best options are smaller early blooming types that can withstand being mowed. Many gardeners recommend Crocus tommasinianus also known as tommies. These smaller crocus reach just 4-6 inches in height and bloom in early spring before most lawns need mowing.
Other good crocus varieties for lawns include:
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Crocus chrysanthus – Early bloomer with height of 4 inches.
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Crocus sieberi – Small, tolerant of mowing. Height of 3 inches.
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Crocus biflorus – Petite blooms reach 2-3 inches tall.
Crocus vernus and other larger, later varieties tend to have more trouble when planted in grass. Opt for the small, early bloomers for best results.
When to Plant Crocus Bulbs in Grass
Timing is important when planting crocus in lawns. When to plant them: in early fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before the first hard frost in your area This gives the bulbs time to grow roots before they go dormant for the winter.
If you plant crocuses too early in the fall, they might bloom too soon and get damaged by frost. Plant them in September through November for most climates.
Preparing the Planting Area
When preparing to plant crocus bulbs in an existing lawn, remove grass and weeds from the planting area. You can dig up pieces of sod or use a grass killer, carefully following product instructions.
Once the area is cleared, loosen the soil with a tiller or garden fork. Mix in bulb fertilizer, compost or other amendments to improve drainage and nourishment for the crocus. Crocus prefer soil pH between 6-7.
How Deep to Plant Crocus Bulbs in Grass
Proper planting depth is key for growing crocus in lawns. The general guideline is to plant crocus bulbs 3-4 inches deep in the soil. This gives them ample insulation from winter frosts while still allowing leaves and blooms to emerge.
Use a trowel or bulb planter to dig holes 3-4 inches deep. Place 1 crocus bulb in each hole with the pointed end facing up. Backfill holes with soil and tamp lightly.
Planting Methods
There are a couple methods you can use to plant crocus bulbs in grass:
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Individual holes: Dig holes spaced 3-4 inches apart and plant one bulb in each hole. This gives you more control over placement.
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Naturalizing: Randomly scatter bulbs across the lawn area, then lightly rake them into the soil. Creates a naturalized look.
Either method works, just choose based on your preferences and lawn space. Plant in clusters or drifts for best impact.
Caring for Crocus in Lawns
Once planted, crocus bulbs in lawns need:
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Water: Keep soil moist while bulbs root in fall and when blooming in spring. Avoid overwatering.
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Fertilizer: Apply bulb fertilizer when planting and again when growth appears in spring.
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Mowing: Do not mow lawn until crocus foliage fully ripens and dies back. This ensures leaves can replenish the bulbs.
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Weed control: Keep area around crocus bulbs weed-free. Weeds will compete for space, nutrients and moisture.
Long-Term Care Tips
Here are some long-term care tips for keeping crocus thriving in your lawn:
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Reapply bulb fertilizer each fall.
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Every few years, lift and divide bulbs after foliage dies back to prevent overcrowding. Replant immediately at proper depth.
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Avoid using weed killers and insecticides, as they may damage bulbs.
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Allow foliage to ripen completely before mowing over crocus each spring.
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Add new bulbs every fall to ensure continued flowering as older bulbs fade.
Enjoying Crocus in Lawns
With proper planting and care, crocus bulbs can create delightful, naturalized displays right in your lawn. They are hardy, low-maintenance bulbs that deliver welcome color year after year. Follow this complete guide for successfully growing crocus in grass and enjoy their cheery blooms each spring.
Growing Crocus in Lawns
If youre thinking about growing crocus in the yard, there are several things to consider. Planting lots of crocuses might not be worth it if you like your lawn to be luxurious, lush, and heavily fertilized. The bulbs won’t be able to compete with a thick stand of grass. It’s possible that you won’t like the little guys popping up all over your lawn if you’re very picky about how it looks. Keep in mind that you wont be able to mow for a few weeks, or until the tops of the crocus turn yellow. Because the leaves take in sunlight and turn it into energy, if you mow too soon, the bulbs might not be able to get up and bloom again next year. Crocus grows best where there isn’t much grass, like under a deciduous tree or in an old, forgotten patch of lawn.
How to Grow Crocus Lawns
Plan (and plant) your crocus lawn carefully; with any luck, the bulbs will last for several years. Plant the bulbs when the ground is cool in autumn, six to eight weeks before the first hard frost. Choose a spot where the soil drains well. If youre planting crocus bulbs in existing turf, you can lift the turf and roll it back carefully. Dig a little compost or manure into the exposed soil, then plant the crocus bulbs. Roll the turf back into place and tamp it so it makes firm contact with the ground. If youre thinking that naturalizing crocus bulbs will provide a more natural appearance, youre right. For a truly natural look, just scatter a handful of bulbs and plant them where they fall. Steer clear of perfect rows.
How to Grow a Crocus Lawn – Autumn Bulb Growing Tips for Winter Flowers
FAQ
Can I plant crocus in my lawn?
Clumps in the lawn are a great way to add more flowers without having to make more garden beds. The bulbs sit below your sod, the crocus foliage looks like grass, and by the time you need to mow, the flowers are done and it doesn’t hurt them.
Can you plant bulbs directly in grass?
Several types of small spring-blooming bulbs are good at “naturalizing” when planted directly into an existing lawn.
Where is the best place to plant crocus bulbs?
Where to plant crocuses. Most crocus varieties need to be planted in a sunny, open position. They’ll successfully naturalise in grass to make a lovely spring meadow. Certain species, such as Crocus gargaricus, need moist but well-drained soil and will grow in partial shade too.
What is the best month to plant crocus bulbs?
Crocus bulbs are autumn planted, so you should aim to plant them from early September to November. Do crocus bulbs come back every year? Crocuses are perennial, which means they will bloom again every spring. They are also great at naturalising, so there’s a good chance they will multiply every year.