Corms dug up or flowers shredded
The RHS lists rodents and birds as the main pests for C. tommasinianus. Mesh over the planting area until shoots appear helps with digging.
UK bulb guide
When to plant crocus
Crocuses are small corms that flower early, in late winter and early spring, when little else is out. Most are planted in autumn for flowers in February and March. A second group, the autumn-flowering crocus, including saffron crocus, goes in at the end of summer and flowers the same autumn.
They are cheap, easy to plant in bulk, and naturalise well in lawns and under deciduous trees, as long as you leave the grass uncut until their leaves have died back.
- Plant spring crocus in September, October and November. September to November. The RHS prefers spring bulbs in by the end of September; Gardeners' World says you can get away with planting up to Christmas.
- Plant autumn crocus in September. Late summer, generally September (RHS).
- Spring crocus in flower in February and March. C. tommasinianus in February and March; C. chrysanthus and Dutch hybrids in March (RHS).
When to plant in the UK
Spring-flowering crocus are planted as dry corms in autumn. Gardeners' World gives September to November. The RHS general advice is to get spring bulbs such as crocus in by the end of September if you can.
Running late? Gardeners' World says you can plant crocuses up to Christmas in the UK as long as the corms are still firm and not mouldy, though they may flower later than usual. Leftover corms kept until spring are usually soft and not worth planting.
Autumn-flowering crocus are a separate job. The RHS says plant them in late summer, generally September; in their first year they may flower a little later than normal.
Where to plant and soil
Most crocuses want an open, sunny spot and good drainage. The RHS suggests C. tommasinianus for grass and under deciduous trees, C. chrysanthus for rock gardens and spots that are dry in summer, and the larger Dutch hybrids (C. vernus) for lawns.
In lawns, pick a patch you can leave unmown until the leaves have yellowed and gone. Mowing too early weakens the corms.
How to plant: depth and spacing
- Depth (small types)
- 7 to 10cm
- Depth (Dutch hybrids in lawns)
- About 12cm
- Spacing
- About 9cm
Plant pointed tip up, flat end down. For naturalising C. tommasinianus and C. chrysanthus, the RHS plants 7 to 10cm deep in small groups. Dutch hybrids have bigger corms and can go about 12cm deep in lawns. Space corms about 9cm apart.
For lots of small corms in grass, the RHS suggests cutting an H in the turf, rolling back the flaps, scattering the corms on the loosened soil, planting them where they land and putting the turf back. Autumn crocus such as C. speciosus go about 12cm deep; saffron crocus (C. sativus) about 10cm, in very free-draining soil.
In pots
Crocus make a good top layer in a pot of mixed bulbs, planted 7 to 12cm deep above larger bulbs such as tulips. Add grit to the compost for drainage. The RHS notes C. vernus can be forced: planted in pots in early autumn, given six to eight weeks of cold and then brought indoors, an October planting should flower in January.
Aftercare
Outdoor crocuses rarely need watering; check pots with a finger while they are in leaf. Let the foliage die back naturally after flowering, and do not mow naturalised crocus until it has. Crowded clumps can be divided.
Common problems
Soft or mouldy corms
Corms can rot in storage. Plant as soon as you buy them and choose firm ones.
Common questions
Can I plant crocus bulbs in November?
Yes. Gardeners' World gives September to November and says you can get away with planting up to Christmas if the corms are firm. Earlier is better.
How deep should crocus be planted?
7 to 10cm for the smaller species, and about 12cm for the larger Dutch hybrids in lawns, spaced about 9cm apart (RHS).
When can I mow over crocuses in the lawn?
Once the leaves have yellowed and died back. Mowing earlier weakens next year's flowers.
On the calendar
Other bulbs
Sources
- RHS: How to grow crocuses. Checked 21 October 2026.
- RHS: Crocus tommasinianus. Checked 21 October 2026.
- RHS: How to plant bulbs in grass. Checked 21 October 2026.
- RHS: Bulbs: planting tips. Checked 21 October 2026.
- BBC Gardeners' World: How to grow crocuses. Checked 21 October 2026.