Species crocus
yellow flowers with lime-yellow stems and green foliage

crocus

Crocus luteus 'Golden Yellow'

Crocus luteus 'Golden Yellow' is truly an amazing flower. Its vibrant sunny yellow petals are a sight to behold! They stand atop thin green stems and offer a cheerful splash of color to any garden setting. As a spring-blooming perennial, it's hardy in most climates, and its spectacular display will reappear year after year. The lovely, aromatic blooms also attract bees and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for butterfly gardens. Not a fan of mowing the lawn? Planting Crocus luteus 'Golden Yellow' in large clumps will provide a beautiful, low-maintenance, natural alternative and can even resist light foot traffic!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Offsets

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Deep golden yellow Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Crocus luteus 'Golden Yellow' typically prefers moist yet well-draining soil in full sun to part shade. For optimal health, water when the top inch of soil is dry. This is generally every 7 to 10 days in the summer and less often during winter dormancy. Soak soil thoroughly ensuring it is moist beneath the surface, rather than watering sparsely and often. When in dormancy, water only enough to keep soil from drying out.

sunlight

Crocus luteus 'Golden Yellow' is native to the Mediterranean region and thrives best in full sunlight. Depending on the season and region, this plant species needs 8-10 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimum growth and blooms. In the winter months, the plant may not need as much sunlight, typically 6-8 hours, depending on the winter season. If the plant is placed in areas with partial shade throughout the year, more frequent watering and fertilizing will be needed to ensure its growth and production of blooms.

pruning

Crocus luteus 'Golden Yellow' should be pruned when it has finished flowering, usually towards the end of spring. This is easily identified as the flowers will have wilted and the foliage (leaves) will start to dicolour, indicating that it is ready for pruning. For most species, the flowered stems should be cut back to the base of the plant, as this will help to stimulate growth. It is advisable not to prune too heavily as this can damage the plant’s health.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Crocus luteus 'Golden Yellow' typically starts flowering in February.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is the crocus plant easy to propagate?

Yes, the crocus plant is relatively easy to propagate. The best way to do so is to dig up the corms - the bulb-like parts - in autumn or early springtime and replant in a suitable location by pushing the corm about five centimetres into the soil. The soil should be kept moist and weed-free, and new flower heads should appear in around seven days. You can also propagate from seed and by division.

Should I deadhead my crocus flowers?

Yes, you should deadhead your crocus flowers. Deadheading flowers helps to ensure their health and promote the growth of new buds. If your crocus have started to wilt and their petals are beginning to fade, snipping them off will encourage the plant to focus its energies towards producing more vibrant flowers. Also, deadheading can help prevent your crocus from seeding, which can potentially create an unwanted mess in your garden.

Could crocuses be grown in containers?

Yes, crocuses can absolutely be grown in containers! In fact, crocuses are often grown in pots and small containers because they don’t need a lot of space and thrive in sunny, well-draining positions. When planting crocuses in a pot, use a lightweight commercial potting mix, add some organic fertiliser, and pick a pot with at least one drainage hole in the base. Place the pot in a sunny position, water regularly, then sit back and enjoy the stunning blooms!

Do crocuses attract bees and butterflies?

Yes, crocuses attract bees and butterflies. They are known for their vibrant colors and fragrant petals, which beckon these pollinators. These small, bright flowers typically bloom during the early spring season when there are less flowers available for bees and butterflies to gather nectar and pollen from. The blossoms of crocuses also have a wide throat, making it easier for bees and butterflies to access the nectar within.

Could crocuses be grown indoors as houseplants?

Yes, crocuses can be grown indoors as houseplants. Before bringing them indoors, it is important to check for signs of pests, such as aphids or mites. Crocuses prefer bright, direct sunlight, but will also do well in bright, indirect light. As with any houseplant, it is important to keep an eye on their water needs, as they prefer their soil to be consistently damp, but not too wet. It is also important to be aware of the temperature range that crocuses need to thrive, as temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can significantly damage the plants. With these considerations in mind, it is possible to grow crocuses indoors.

Is it possible to grow crocuses from seed?

Yes, it is possible to grow crocuses from seed. Although a good amount of patience and effort is required, with the right amount of soil and sunshine, it can be done. Be sure to purchase seeds that are fresh and viable for planting. Crocus seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep with a spacing of 6 inches between each. Water the seeds lightly and wait for them to germinate, then water and fertilize as needed. When the seedlings are about 4 inches tall, they can be transplanted. With the right care, your new crocus plants should have blooms after a few years.

Are there any varieties of crocuses that bloom in the fall?

Yes, there are a few varieties of crocuses that bloom in the fall. Crocus speciosus, also known as autumn crocus, is an autumn-blooming variety of crocus that has large, rose-purple flowers that bloom between September and October. Crocus dives is another autumn-blooming variety that has bright, lilac-colored flowers with a yellow throat and blooms in late September and October. More commonly, Crocus SATIVUS, commonly known as saffron crocus, blooms in the fall and produces the famous saffron spice. All of these varieties of crocuses are appropriate for planting in the fall in most places.

Could crocuses be grown in a greenhouse?

Yes, crocuses can be grown in a greenhouse. Crocuses prefer a cool, dark environment and are usually planted in the fall. This makes a greenhouse the perfect habitat for them. However, greenhouse temperatures should not exceed 60°F for the best results. Proper watering and fertilizing can help the crocuses to thrive inside the greenhouse. In addition, setting up a simple protection system to prevent insects and other pests from getting inside will help maintain the health of the plants.