Crocus – ‘Rememberance’

Originally the crocus was a native of the Mediterranean region and Afghanistan. Now they are a popular sight in many gardens in Canada and the United States. Crocus flowers are beautiful, easy to grow, and they smell heavenly. They have a low allergen OPALS ranking.

With our troops overseas I urge everyone to plant (in the fall for spring bloom) as many as possible of the crocus called:

‘REMEMBRANCE’

We should never forget our courageous soldiers and veterans, or their families. In your garden you can show your support.

The Remembrance crocus is large flowering, with light lavender-blue blooms. Perfect for your garden bed or container, and for added visual impact plant them in your lawn too! An old classic, the crocus bulbs are easy to find at your local garden centre/nursery, and are inexpensive.

Plant in cool, well-drained soils in late September or early October; if you have clay soil, add a few shovels of sand in the planting hole. Good root development, before the first hard frost, is important. Use Bulb booster or Bonemeal at the time of planting, if desired.

Plant the crocus bulbs 5 – 7 centimetres (2 – 3 inches) deep, and the same distance apart or closer, but not touching. Crocuses like full sun, the more the merrier. If rodents (squirrels, chipmunks) are a problem, you can spread plastic netting or chicken wire over the bulbs before covering with soil. Water the soil well.

For your outside containers:

Place an old wet bathroom facecloth on the bottom of the container. This will help to keep the soil in the container. Put a layer 1 – 2 centimetres (3/8 – 3/4 inch) of soil in the container and plant daffodils or narcissus close together (not touching). Next add a light layer of soil over the bulbs. Now place the Remembrance crocus bulbs in the container. Cover with soil. Water well. The result? Next spring, first the crocus will bloom nice and early, and then later the daffodils or narcissus will reward you with even more fine flowers.

To keep squirrels away from your garden you can make your own liquid “deterrent” mixture: 3 teaspoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce, and 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap. Mix with 2 litres of water. Add the mixture to a spray bottle. Stir well and it’s ready to use.

Happy Gardening!

Peter