When those first little crocuses pop up through the grass, you can’t help but feel that spring fever kicking in. It feels like the warm weather is just around the corner—but is it really? Do crocuses only bloom when spring starts, or is there more to the story? And are some varieties different than others? Let’s dive into some cool facts about when these garden favorites actually show their faces.
Different Types of Crocuses
Have you ever taken a really close look at the crocuses in your yard? They aren’t just different colors; they actually have different growth habits, too. Believe it or not, the way they look can tell you a lot about when they’ll bloom, because not every crocus follows the same schedule.
Spring Crocuses
These are your classic “harbingers of spring.” Usually, the first ones start peeking out in February. You’ll mostly see the white or light purple varieties first—these tend to have smaller blooms than their cousins. The bigger, bolder yellow, orange, or deep blue crocuses are a bit more cautious; they usually wait until late March to make their grand entrance.
Autumn Crocuses
Yep, you read that right! There are also fall-blooming crocuses that show off from September through October. While the color palette is a bit more subtle—mostly lighter shades—they look absolutely stunning tucked in among the fallen autumn leaves.
The Early Birds (and Exceptions)
Have you ever done a double-take because you saw a delicate crocus pushing through the dirt in the middle of January? If we’re having a mild winter, it’s actually pretty common. Crocuses take their cues from the temperature around them, so a warm streak can easily trick them into thinking it’s time to party early.
How Much Does the Weather Matter?
It’s not so much the “weather” as it is the temperature. Crocuses are surprisingly tough! Even if a surprise snowstorm hits, they aren’t bothered; they’ll keep right on glowing against the white snow. The only real dealbreaker is if the ground freezes solid. As soon as the hard frost starts to fade, that’s the signal for the crocus to wake up.
When Should You Plant?
Crocuses actually need a period of cold to trigger their blooming process (gardeners call this “stratification”). Because of this, the best time to get your bulbs in the ground is during the fall.
Pro Tip: Location is everything! Crocuses are sun-worshippers, so they’ll be happiest in a bright spot. If it’s too shady, they might stay shy. Also, make sure you plant them somewhere with a bit of airflow to keep them healthy.
