Snow Crocus, aka early crocus (Crocus tommasinianum) is a late winter to early spring blooming bulb (corm) that is native to southeastern Europe into Asia.  These tiny crocus are generally the first to pop its leaves above the ground and even bloom when there is snow on the ground, hence its common name.  Snow crocus are the earliest crocus to flower, approximately the same time as snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) and dwarf / netted iris (Iris reticulata). They hold up to a surprise spring snowfall and recover rapidly.

In early fall, plant them 3 – 4 inches deep and 3 – 4 inches apart in average well-drained soils.  They prefer sandy soils but grow well in clay soil.   They perform best in full sun but tolerate partial shade. Blooms unfurl in mid-morning as day warms up and close around sunset. Blooms remain closed on cloudy days.

Mass plant corms along walkways, in front of trees or shrubs, in woodland or rock gardens, or let them naturalize in a lawn.  If planted in a lawn wait until the leaves turn yellow before mowing. Snow crocus tolerate browsing from deer, are resistant to foraging by squirrels, and grow around black walnut trees. 

Crocus are also good for forcing indoors over the winter. Pot them up in mid-October and precool them at a consistent, dark 38 to 45°F for 8-10 weeks with moderate weekly watering. Gradually bring pots into the house and crocus will bloom about four weeks later. Once they finish blooming, set them outdoors and plant in your garden.

Blooming about two weeks before their larger flowering kin. To help these tiny corms to grow and naturalize, hold off mowing the lawn until the crocus foliage has died back completely, usually in six weeks. Lots of sunlight helps to create new bulb divisions (bulblets) with increase blooms in subsequent years.

These lovely six-petaled, 4-inch-tall flowers open and close on sunny days, and grass-like foliage that often has narrow, median silver stripes. Crocus naturalize readily in well-draining soil and in full- to part-day sunlight. Woodland crocus are squirrels that may dig up newly planted bulbs for a snack, or to transplant elsewhere for surprise spring pop-up clusters.

Plant 9 corms per square foot for a dense planting. Bulb size: 5 cm/up. Full to partial sunlight. Bloom time in horticultural zone 5: Late March/early April. Plant 4 inches deep and 3 – 4 inches apart. (USDA hardiness zones 3-8).