Question
This may seem like a silly question, but it seems that my crocus bulbs are learning when to bloom.

Each fall I plant a fresh batch. Each spring the new bulbs bloom too soon and get frozen in a late frost. The ones that have been in the ground for a year or more wait a couple of weeks and bloom after the danger of frost is over.

Are these plants really "learning" or is something else going on?

Thanks

Jo

Answer
 They are not "learning" as WE know learning!  They are conditioning more than learning.  The ones that have been in the ground for at least one season know when to come up because of the temperature and the sunlight  (heat to the earth).
 I had some start to come up this fall as the conditions were just about the same as in the spring!!!

Interesting question--would be interested in other people's answers and I'll ask gardeners that I know too!

Thanks for the question!! You really got me thinking!
Sijka