Crocus kotschyanus
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
Crocus kotschyanus is a CORM growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from February to June, in flower from September to November, and the seeds ripen from March to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, butterflies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Scrub and rocky places, 500 - 2600 metres.
N. Africa to W. Asia - Lebanon to Turkey.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Corm - cooked.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a sandy loam. Plants are easily grown in a bulb frame or in a sunny position outdoors, succeeding in a well-drained moisture-retentive soil. A very ornamental plant. Plants tend to move considerably from their original planting place because of their means of vegetative reproduction, it is therefore wise not to grow different species in close proximity. Any planting out is best done in late spring and early summer. Protect the corms from mice. The flowers are only open during the day time, closing at night.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light sandy soil in pots in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in early spring. Sow thinly because the seed usually germinates freely, within 1 - 6 months at 18°c. Unless the seed has been sown too thickly, do not transplant the seedlings in their first year of growth, but give them regular liquid feeds to make sure they do not become deficient. Divide the small bulbs once the plants have died down, planting 2 - 3 bulbs per 8cm pot. Grow them on for another 2 years in a greenhouse or frame and plant them out into their permanent positions when dormant in late summer. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed. Division of the clumps after the leaves die down in spring. The bulbs can be replanted direct into their permanent positions if required.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Corm
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist