PLANT of the MONTH:CROCUS By Shari Romar While some plants may bloom earlier (like last month’s Snowdrops), spotting a Crocus is a sure sign of spring. Related to irises, Crocuses have been in cultivation since the Bronze Age. Native to a large area ranging from Mediterranean Europe to the Middle East and into Asia, Crocuses were brought to northern Europe during the Holy Roman Empire and development of new varieties started around 1620. Single, cup-shaped flowers and green leaf blades emerge in spring. With 90 species and many varieties available, flower colors are vast but most common are shades of mauve, lilac, yellow and white. Often just as colorful are the flowers’ stigmas, the part of a plant’s reproductive system that receives pollen. Naturally important to the plant, this anatomical section in the species Crocus sativus is also significant in culinary circles as the source of saffron. Crocus flowers and leaves emerge from small, bulb-like structures called corms that are available in garden centers in autumn. Plant corms up to 3” deep in well-drained soil from October to December before the ground freezes. They do best in sunny spots but can brighten up woodland areas that have deciduous shade – those locations where trees won’t leaf out until Crocus blooms start to fade. Crocuses are perfect for rock gardens and also look great in turf (but remember not to mow the lawn until the flowers die back!). Unfortunately, gardeners might find one significant problem with these pretty plants: squirrels love to eat the corms and have been known to chew the flowers. This buffet might be prevented by covering garden beds with landscape netting after planting. If the netting doesn’t work, or you don’t have a yard to begin with, take heart! Crocuses can be forced to bloom indoor at any time of year (but remember – corms are usually only available in autumn). Morgan Potter, gardener at Queens Botanical Garden, offers these easy steps: ►Fill a container with potting soil and place corms about 3” deep. Be sure your container has drainage holes. Give the soil and corms a thorough watering and let drain. ►Cover the container with a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator (Crocuses need a cold period in order to flower). ►After about six weeks, remove the container from the refrigerator, discard the bag and place the container in a sunny windowsill. Watch for the emergence of blooms and enjoy spring! Shari Romar is the new media manager at Queens Botanical Garden. She is active at her community garden and maintains two websites, BirdsBugsBuds.com and NYCNatureNews.com. 10 North Shore Towers Courier n May 2013
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