Bulbs

• Corm
• Zones 1-24, 30-45
• Full sun or partial shade
• Regular watering during growth and bloom

Most crocuses bloom in late winter or early spring, bearing tubular, 1 1/2- to 3-inch-long flowers in a rainbow of colors. Others, including C. sativus (the saffron crocus) and C. speciosus, bloom in fall, with flowers rising from bare earth weeks or even days after planting.

Plant corms of both spring- and fall-blooming types as soon as they are available in autumn, setting them 2 to 3 inches deep and 3 to 4 inches apart in light, porous soil.