All About Crocus – History, Meaning, Facts, Care & More

The Crocus flower is considered to be a spring flower where people wait for its arrival throughout the winter season. The texture of the Crocus suggests that winter season has passed and it is time to look forward to the spring-flowering bulbs. Here are some of the interesting information about the Crocus flower.

History of the Crocus

It was in the year 300 B.C. that the Greek Writers first knew about the Crocus. It was believed that it appeared first in some regions of Greece and Turkey until it reached Britain. The species Crocus sativus was the first one to arrive until it grew abundantly in the north coast area of Africa and the Middle East and since then it was used commercially since the medieval times. And it was during the reign of King Edward VI that the Crocus plan was first introduced in the part of Essex.

Its name was derived from the Latin word “crocatus” which mean saffron yellow, Krokos, which is the Greek word for saffron. The saffron spice actually came from the stigmas of Crocus sativus. It is autumn or fall blooming species of Crocus that has lilac or white flowers. In fact, saffron is the most expensive spice that can be found in the world today. Gardeners or farmer specifically hand picks it when it’s harvesting time. They used it as a flavoring in Mediterranean rice dishes.

Interesting Facts About Crocus

• The Crocus plant is a member of the iris family. There are about 80 species of Crocus plant that is sprouting all over the world from Central Asia, Southern part of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

• You can usually find the Crocus plant in rocky mountainsides, scrublands, and as well as woodlands. They can tolerate both low temperature and cold weather conditions. The Crocus plant is not only a flowering plant but it can also be used as a spice or medicine. Most of the Crocus species are growing in the wild. However, some species of Crocus are threatened by habitat loss.

• Although the Crocus plant is known to be small, still it can reach 12 inches in height and the color of the petals will depend on its species and they are usually in the color yellow, mauve, or white. Its flower has six petals and its leaves have a sword-like shape.

• Crocus has corm or a rounded underground storage organ and every growing season, a new corm grows on the top of the previously grown corm.

• The reproductive system of the Crocus contains both that of the male and female. And each flower has three female and male sex organs.

• There are various species of crocus that grows in different parts of the world each year but mostly the beautiful species of Crocus appear or grow during the winter or spring.

• Crocuses are not picky when it comes to pollination because they can be pollinated with many types of insects which include bees, beetles, and moths.

• Crocus is a type of perennial plant which means it can live for more than 2 years.

How to Plant Your Own Crocus

Before planting your own Crocus, you have to take note of a few things in order for them to grow abundantly in your garden. You have to plan your garden before putting them in the soil. You must schedule your planting ideally 6 to 8 weeks before a frost is expected in your region. And make sure to buy Crocus bulb from your trusted garden or flower shop. After you have done this, then you are ready to plant your own Crocus.

1. Put an organic matter on top of the soil. You can pick your own organic matter from your own backyards such as shredded leaves or compost or you can buy from your trusted garden shop. Putting organic matter will actually help your Crocus enrich its soil for them to thrive better.

2. Dig a hole at least 4 inches deep then place one crocus bulb in the pointy end.

3. If you are watering your newly planted Crocus, make sure to use a watering can or hose until the soil is wet. Make sure the soil is well-drained. If the weather is too hot, then water a little more than the usual amount.

4. Allocate enough space for each of your Crocus bulb. Ideally, it must be 3 inches apart in order for them to get enough nutrient from the soil.

How to Take Care of Crocus

1. Water your Crocus regularly just enough for the soil to moisten. Avoid over-watering or over-clogging the soil. Make sure to monitor the weather from time to time. If the weather is too rainy, then water the Crocus once or twice a week only.

2. During winter, apply mulch on top of the soil. Apply at least 3 inches over the bulbs to help them maintain the moisture and heat that they need. You can purchase them at your local garden shop.

3. You can trim your Crocus plants every year or as necessary. Since Crocus plants are perennial, you need to prune the dried parts of the flowers for them to return to their healthy state.

4. Spray insecticide on your Crocus. If you are on a budget, you can make your own insecticide. Just mix water with dish soap and cayenne pepper.