Colchicum cilicium 'Purpureum'

Autumn - mid · Planting

Divide while dormant

Clumps of bulbs, corms or rhizomes can be divided when the plant is dormant. The divided bulbs or corms can immediately be replanted at a little distance from each other, or moved to other locations.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Feed a general fertiliser

Give a general purpose feed two or three times during the growing season, preferably not within a month of its end so the plant isn't encouraged to make fresh young growth.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring · Planting

Protect bulbs from animals

Secure wire netting over or just under the soil to prevent animals from digging up the bulbs.

Applies to crocus