As an avid gardener, few sights bring me as much joy as a lawn carpeted in a rainbow of crocus blooms in early spring. Their cheery flowers in purple, yellow white and more are a hopeful sign after winter’s chill. To achieve a top-notch crocus display it’s vital to plant the bulbs in fall. But where can you find a stellar selection of quality crocus bulbs for fall planting?
In this article, I’ll share my go-to sources to purchase crocus bulbs in an array of dazzling colors and varieties. With proper fall planting, they’ll give you a breathtaking flower show come springtime.
Top Online Retailers for Crocus Bulbs
For convenience selection and savings I highly recommend these online specialty bulb retailers for buying crocus bulbs shipped to your door
Brent and Becky’s Bulbs
With over 40 crocus varieties, this family-owned company offers an unmatched assortment. Their bulbs produce fantastic results in my garden. I especially love their collections for savings.
Holland Bulb Farms
Another terrific online bulb source, Holland has 20+ crocus varieties at affordable prices. Their “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” specials let you stock up.
White Flower Farm
For premium, top-size crocus bulbs, White Flower Farm is the gold standard. Their selection includes both common and rare finds like the saffron crocus.
Van Engelen Inc.
A major bulb exporter, Van Engelen supplies bulbs to retailers worldwide. Their direct sales include a choice selection of crocus to order in bulk.
John Scheepers
Focusing on premium bulbs, John Scheepers sells high-end and rare varieties of crocuses. Expect pristine, robust bulbs and first-rate service.
What to Look for When Buying Crocus Bulbs
To help your crocuses thrive, look for plump, firm bulbs free of mold, damage or decay. Reputable sellers state the bulb size (often 14/16 or 16/18 centimeters). Larger bulbs establish better. The variety name and planting instructions should be clearly identified.
Ideal crocus bulbs exhibit:
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Clean, blemish-free outer skins
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Good weight for the size
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No hollowness when squeezed
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Intact basal plates where roots emerge
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No signs of mold, rot or desiccation
Selecting top-performing varieties also boosts success. Ask sellers for their top recommendations.
Popular Types of Crocuses to Brighten Your Garden
With thousands of crocus varieties, it can be tricky deciding which to plant. Here are some of the most popular types and my top picks:
Giant Dutch Hybrids
The classic giant crocuses flaunt big, wide flowers in March and April. ‘Remembrance’ and ‘Jeanne d’Arc’ produce stunning purple blooms. ‘Grand Maître’ opens up wide, violet-blue flowers.
Smaller Dutch Hybrids
For delightful little crocuses in March, look for ‘Pickwick’, ‘Ruby Giant’, or ‘Yellow Mammoth’, with its sunny golden blossoms.
Species Crocuses
Blooming from February to April, charming species crocuses like C. tommasinianus bear smaller yet abundant flowers. They spread readily to naturalize.
Unique Varieties
For something different, grow Metallica crocus with striped foliage, or Saffron crocus for spice-producing autumn blooms.
With so many options, visit retailer websites to view photos and compare varieties. Then you can select ones with your preferred bloom times and colors.
Where to Buy Locally: Garden Centers and Nurseries
While buying bulbs online is convenient, I also suggest visiting local garden centers and nurseries. Here you can hand-select each bulb, plus most offer planting advice.
Be sure to shop early in the fall bulb season for the best selection. Stock is more limited later into fall. Phone ahead to ask if they carry crocus bulbs and when new shipments arrive.
FALL BLOOMING BULBS – The Purple Autumn Crocus
FAQ
When should I plant fall crocus?
Do fall crocus multiply?
What is the difference between spring and fall crocus?
Is autumn crocus the same as true crocus?
When do crocus bulbs Bloom?
Crocus bloom in shades of yellow, purple, white. Often one of the earliest bulbs to bloom in spring, crocus are perfect for rock gardens, wooded areas, garden beds and even lawns. The best time to plant crocus bulbs is in fall, even fall blooming crocus like Crocus sativus can be planted in fall.
When is the best time to plant crocus bulbs?
The best time to plant crocus bulbs is in fall, even fall blooming crocus like Crocus sativus can be planted in fall. Crocus provide a colorful assortment of blooms, and our mixed crocus and crocus collection are perfect for anyone whose favorite flower is crocus!
When do crocus flowers come out?
It’s like magic! These garden treasures ship in August along with our Bearded Irises. Plant crocus bulbs when they arrive, and you’ll have stunning jewel-like blooms in just a couple of weeks, lighting up your fall garden when other flowers have faded. Grow Saffron crocuses and you can also harvest your own fragrant spice for a culinary treat.
Are crocus bulbs good for fall?
Crocus can be found on multiple continents and in a variety of climates. This fall-planted favorite has long provided gardeners the vibrant color they crave on the heels of the drab winter months. Crocus bulbs are best planted in abundance, and are often used as a colorful ground cover.