Practical
Plants

Crocus kotschyanus

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Iridaceae
Genus
Crocus
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.1 m
Fertility
Bees, Butterflies
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Butterflies

Uses

Edible uses

Corm - cooked[2].

Plant part
Root

Environment

Range
N. Africa to W. Asia - Lebanon to Turkey.
Habitat
Scrub and rocky places, 500 - 2600 metres[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light sandy soil in pots in a cold frame[1]. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in early spring[1]. Sow thinly because the seed usually germinates freely[1], within 1 - 6 months at 18°c[3]. Unless the seed has been sown too thickly, do not transplant the seedlings in their first year of growth, but give them regular liquid feeds to make sure they do not become deficient. Divide the small bulbs once the plants have died down, planting 2 - 3 bulbs per 8cm pot. Grow them on for another 2 years in a greenhouse or frame and plant them out into their permanent positions when dormant in late summer[K]. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed[4]. Division of the clumps after the leaves die down in spring[1][4]. The bulbs can be replanted direct into their permanent positions if required.

Cultivation

Prefers a sandy loam[1]. Plants are easily grown in a bulb frame or in a sunny position outdoors[6], succeeding in a well-drained moisture-retentive soil[4]. A very ornamental plant[1]. Plants tend to move considerably from their original planting place because of their means of vegetative reproduction, it is therefore wise not to grow different species in close proximity[1]. Any planting out is best done in late spring and early summer[5]. Protect the corms from mice[1]. The flowers are only open during the day time, closing at night[5].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  2. RHS. The Garden. Volume 113. Royal Horticultural Society 1988-00-00

    ↩

  3. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00

    ↩

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2

  6. Phillips. R. and Rix. M. Bulbs Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30253-1

    ↩1↩2

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