EARLY SPRING CROCUS Crocus Tommasinianus

One of the first signs of spring, the early crocus are often found pushing up through late snowfalls! These plants multiply well, and form large drifts. Seeds are in very limited supply, and are difficult to obtain.

Type: Hardy perennial

Height: 10-12 cm, 4-5"

Location: Sun or part shade

Hardiness zones: 4-9

Note: Ornamental use only. Many plants have poisonous parts, these included. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous.

Seeds per pack: 5

Germination: As with many perennials, these seeds require a period of moist cold to help them grow. This is done by giving them a cold 'winter' period (artificial or natural), and then a warming to simulate 'spring', and time to grow! Here's how this can be done:

Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Place your container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 6-8 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.

Alternatively, these seeds can also be planted outdoors in fall or winter, while temperatures are cold (but ground is workable) to germinate naturally in spring. Be sure to mark the area where you planted them, and that the soil is consistently moist. Patience is needed, but they are well worth the wait!