Colchicum autumn: planting, care
The autumn crocus is a perennial herb with beautiful flowers. It is widespread in Europe and Asia, in the Mediterranean and partly in Africa. This herb can be grown in all regions of Russia with a temperate climate.
Planting an autumn crocus
Plant in sunny or partial shade areas. Slugs will eat it in the shade. The soil at the planting site must be drained. Almost any soil is suitable – acidic, alkaline and even clayey, as long as it is not oversaturated with water. Excessive moisture is the only enemy of the crocus.
Colchicum autumn blooms soon after planting
Planting dates are from mid-August to September. Pre-fertilize the ground with superphosphate and wood ash. Bury small bulbs to a depth of no more than 8 cm, large bulbs to a depth of about 20 cm. The distance between bulbs is 10-20 cm.
A tube is sticking out of the bulb. Do not cut it off, make sure that this tube remains above the ground. A flower bud will pass through it. If you plant correctly, the crocus will bloom in about a month and a half.
It is not difficult to care for this plant. Here are some guidelines for grooming:
- Water the grass only during the flowering period if the season is dry.
- Feed the grass three times a season with complex fertilizer at the rate of 30 g per 1 sq. m. The composition of the complex feeding must necessarily include nitrogen. In the fall, after the end of flowering, add compost to the flowerbed with the crocus.
- Loosen the soil and remove weeds as needed.
- Transplant the crocus to a new location every 2-3 years. The maximum term on one site is 6 years. After the leaves of the plant turn yellow, dig up the bulbs, rinse and sort through them. Dry at room temperature. Plant in a new fertilized area.
- Colchicum can be attacked by slugs, snails and other pests that eat the leaves. To prevent this, cover the space between the rows with fine gravel, crushed eggshells or shells.
You cannot cut off a faded bud and dried leaves, even if this spoils the general appearance of your flower garden. This pruning will kill the bulb. Remove only what has disappeared by itself. To distract attention from wilted flowers, plant other fall flowers around the crocus.
Colchicum will decorate your garden in the fall, when most of the flowers have already wilted. This unpretentious herb requires minimal maintenance.