It provided the first splashes of color in the gray spring. But now its heyday is coming to an end. What should be done now? Should the crocus be cut back or even dug up?
What should you do when the crocus has faded?
After the crocus has faded, you should let its leaves wilt before cutting them. Transplanting is possible after flowering. Wait about 3 weeks before mowing the lawn until the crocus leaves wilt. Fertilize the crocus after flowering for next year's growth.
When does the crocus bloom?
Most crocuses bloom inspring between April and May, around the same time as daffodils and tulips. The small-flowered crocus varieties bloom first because they open their flowers earlier. The large-flowered hybrids bloom later and therefore only fade in May.
However, there are also autumn crocuses (e.g. saffron crocus) that only bloom at the end of October. The time at which the crocus blooms depends on the species you have planted.
What happens after the crocus blooms?
Immediately after its flowering, the crocus is weakened and puts the last of its energy reserves into forming itsseeds It then goes into its resting period. The crocus will no longer be seen throughout the summer and until next spring. During this long period he gathers strength for the coming flowering season.
Can the faded crocus be transplanted?
Once the crocus has bloomed, it is the perfect time to replant inif necessary. To do this, you have to dig up the tuber and plant it in another location.
A crocus in a pot does not have to be thrown away after it has faded, but can be planted outdoors.
If the crocus tuber has already formed many daughter tubers, you can use the digging as an opportunity to propagate and separate the daughter tubers from the mother tuber.
Should the crocus be cut after flowering?
Cut the crocusdon't immediately after flowering. First, the leaves should wilt completely. The tuber still draws the last of the juice from the leaves and needs this as a reserve for the coming year. The same applies to other faded bulbous plants such as tulips, hyacinths, snowdrops and daffodils.
Later you can remove the stems and leaves for beauty reasons. However, it is not mandatory to do this.
What should you do after the crocus has faded?
Shortly after the crocus has bloomed, it can be supplied withfertilizer. He can put this to good use for next year's shoots. You can alsoremove the old flowers immediately after flowering The formation of the seeds otherwise robs the crocus of a lot of nutrients.
What factors accelerate the flowering of the crocus?
Sometimes crocuses bloom early due tohigh temperaturesin spring combined with lots of sun. In addition, too strongFrost can damage the already blooming crocus and cause it to wilt. Last but not least, lack of nutrients and drought also accelerate the flowering of the crocus.
Tip
Flowering and mowing the lawn? Better not
If the crocuses on the lawn have faded and you now want to take the chance to mow the lawn for the first time of the year, you should be patient. Wait about 3 weeks before mowing the lawn until the leaves of the crocuses have completely wilted.
