When to plant crocus bulbs on a lawn? When the first cool breezes of fall arrive, you may be tempted to rush outside and plant all your summer perennials with haste. After all, they’ll be dormant soon, and you want them to have enough time to grow before the first frost. This is when most people think about planting crocus bulbs in their lawns or gardens.
You see, while they are a lovely addition to any flowerbed or natural area, their tendency to sprout and bloom at random throughout the year can make them challenging plants to incorporate into your landscape. They also need partial shade to thrive. Consequently, if you’re thinking about adding crocus bulbs as part of your fall gardening routine, here are six tips on how you can plant them in your lawn this season:
1. Identify where you want to grow crocus bulbs
The first thing you should do when thinking about planting crocus bulbs in your lawn is to identify where you want to plant them. Crocuses are lovely when dotted along a walkway or pathway, or used as part of a stunning fall border in your flowerbed. You can also plant them in a natural area or woodland garden. Just be aware that they are not a good choice for close planting as they will not provide any visual interest when they’re not blooming.
2. Don’t plant crocus bulbs on your new grass
For those of you who are planting crocus bulbs in your lawn for the first time, you may want to plant them in bare areas or newly sodded lawns. It’s tempting to plant your bulbs in these spots because they are not yet covered with existing grass.
However, you should avoid doing this. The reason for this is that while your bulbs may be dormant during the growing season, they may sprout and grow, only to be cut down by mower blades. You can avoid this problem by waiting until the new grass has grown in and is at least 6-8 inches tall before planting your crocus bulbs.
3. Be careful when digging
When digging your crocus bulbs to replant on your lawn, be careful not to damage their roots. If you’re pulling them from the ground, simply dig them up with a garden shovel, being careful not to cut their roots. After all, you want them to come up as intact as possible and emerge with their leaves intact. While some people simply dig the bulbs up with a spade or pitchfork, we recommend using a small trowel or bulb digger so you can carefully dig them out and avoid damaging them.
4. Add a layer of compost or manure
When you’re planting crocus in your lawn, add a layer of compost or manure to enhance the soil around the bulbs. This will help the bulbs establish faster and grow larger and healthier. A layer of compost or manure will also help add nutrients to the soil, and if you apply it before planting your bulbs, it will help keep the soil around the bulbs moist.
Additionally, if you add a layer of compost or manure, the bulbs will help to hold the soil in place. Consequently, you may not need to use as many stakes or other supports when you’re planting the bulbs in your lawn.
5. Mix in some fertilizers
You can also mix in some fertilizers when planting crocus bulbs on your lawn. When choosing a fertilizer, be sure to select one that’s designed for bulbs. When planting crocus bulbs, use half the recommended amount of fertilizer so that it doesn’t burn the bulbs. You can also add some bone meal to your planting hole. This will help feed the bulbs and prevent soil pests.
6. Maintain a diverse lawn (don’t let crocus take over)
When planting crocus bulbs in your lawn, be sure to plant them in spots where you can easily remove them when they’re not in bloom. Keep in mind that while they produce lovely flowers, they’re also quite invasive and can crowd out your other flower and vegetable beds if you let them. If you want to attract butterflies and other pollinators to your property, you could place your bulbs in an area where they won’t impede other plants.
Final words
When it comes to planting crocus bulbs in your lawn, the more you know, the better off you’ll be. Keep these tips in mind when planning your fall planting, and you’re sure to have gorgeous blooms in the spring and early summer. Just remember not to plant them too close to your walkway so they don’t become a tripping hazard. Instead, use this guide to select the best cultivars for your location. And when you do, you’ll be treated to a beautiful display of vibrant blooms that will add a pop of color to your yard.
