Yellow Mammoth Crocus Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring'

Water

The Yellow Crocus requires moderate watering; during the active growing season, it should be watered once the top inch of the soil feels dry. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this may equate to approximately one inch of water per week. The exact frequency can vary, but it's generally between once a week to once every two weeks, especially when the plant is actively growing in the spring. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging. It's better to underwater than overwater these bulbs, as they are prone to rot if kept too moist.

Light

Yellow Crocuses prefer full to partial sunlight and will thrive in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure the location is not shaded by larger plants or structures to maximize their exposure to sunlight. A southern or southeastern exposure is ideal for robust growth and optimal flowering.

Temperature

Yellow Crocuses are cold-hardy and can tolerate winter temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit but require a period of cold dormancy to bloom successfully. The ideal growing temperatures are between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit during their active growth and blooming period in the spring. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 77 degrees Fahrenheit may affect the plant's growth and flowering capacity.

Pruning

Pruning is generally not required for Yellow Crocuses; however, after flowering, it is beneficial to remove the spent flower heads to prevent seed formation. Keep the foliage intact until it has died back naturally to ensure nutrients are returned to the bulb for next season's growth. This typically happens by late spring or early summer, and no pruning is necessary thereafter until the next blooming cycle.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Crocus korolkowii, commonly known as Kiss of Spring Crocus, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0. A mix consisting of equal parts loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure will provide the right balance of nutrients, aeration, and moisture retention. Ensure the soil is loose and not compacted to allow for proper bulb development and drainage.

Repotting

Kiss of Spring Crocus typically does not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 3 to 4 years to refresh the soil and address any overcrowding. After the flowering season and once the foliage has died down, you can lift the bulbs, divide if necessary, and replant them at the appropriate depth in fresh soil mix.

Humidity & Misting

Kiss of Spring Crocus prefers average household humidity levels. As a bulbous plant that goes dormant after flowering, it does not have high humidity requirements. Providing adequate air circulation and avoiding excessively damp environments will help maintain the health of the plant.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Plant in a bright spot, use well-draining soil, and keep cool after flowering.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil with sunlight and protect from harsh winter.

• Hardiness zone

  4-8 USDA

Life cycle

Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring', commonly known as 'Kiss of Spring' crocus, starts its life cycle when a seed germinates in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. The seedling stage is followed by the development of a corm, which is a bulb-like storage organ that remains dormant underground during the plant’s off-season. In late winter to early spring, foliage emerges from the corm, which includes thin, grass-like leaves and erect, cup-shaped flowers that often mark the first signs of spring. These flowers can be yellow to golden with a darker throat and are pollinated by early insects such as bees. After flowering, the plant goes through pollination leading to seed formation; as temperatures rise into late spring and early summer, the aerial parts of the crocus die back, and the corm lies dormant through the summer, fall, and early winter. Finally, the corm uses the stored energy to repeat this cycle the following spring, completing its life cycle and potentially producing new corms to continue its lineage.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Autumn

• The Crocus korolkowii 'Kiss of Spring', commonly referred to as the Spring Crocus, is typically propagated through division of corms. The ideal time for this procedure is after the foliage has died down in late spring or early summer. To propagate, you should carefully dig up the corms, and you may notice that they have produced smaller cormlets attached to the base. These cormlets can be gently separated from the mother corm and replanted immediately in well-draining soil at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters). It's important to plant the cormlets with the pointed end facing up. The new plants will then go through a period of dormancy before beginning their growth cycle and flowering the following spring. This method of division helps to rejuvenate the plants and can help ward off overcrowding, which can diminish blooming.