Pickwick Crocus Crocus 'Pickwick'

Water

Crocus 'Pickwick', commonly known as the Striped Crocus, should be watered moderately when in bloom. They require thorough soaking so water them until the first couple of inches of soil is moist. During their active growing season, water them once a week, depending on rain, aiming for about one inch of water each time, either from rainfall or manual watering. Cut back on watering after the flowers have faded and the leaves begin to yellow, as Crocus 'Pickwick' enters dormancy and needs a drier soil to prevent bulb rot. It is best to water in the morning to allow any excess water on the foliage to dry out over the day.

Light

Striped Crocus thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for these bulbs is an area that receives several hours of direct sunlight in the morning, with some shelter from intense afternoon sun. Placing them in an east or west-facing garden will ensure the ideal light conditions for optimal growth and flowering.

Temperature

The Striped Crocus prefers cool to moderate temperatures, flourishing in a range between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit without damage. The ideal growing conditions occur during spring or fall when temperatures are within their preferred range.

Pruning

The Striped Crocus does not require pruning in the traditional sense, but spent flowers should be removed to maintain a neat appearance and prevent seed formation. Allow the foliage to die back naturally after flowering before removing it, as this period allows the bulb to store energy for the next season. Typically, this means you should only be 'pruning' once the blooming period is over and leaves have yellowed.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Crocus 'Pickwick', commonly called Pickwick Crocus, thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic content. An ideal mixture would include loamy garden soil, peat moss, and sharp sand to facilitate drainage. These crocuses prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0. It's important to avoid waterlogged conditions as this can lead to bulb rot.

Repotting

Pickwick Crocus bulbs should typically be lifted and divided every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding. Repotting is done after the foliage has died back and the bulbs have entered dormancy. This period is usually in late summer or early autumn.

Humidity & Misting

Pickwick Crocus doesn't require high humidity; it is quite tolerant of the typical range found in temperate climates. As long as the soil moisture conditions are appropriate for the crocus, ambient humidity levels are usually satisfactory.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Crocus 'Pickwick', commonly referred to as the Pickwick Crocus, initiates with bulb formation, whereby the underground storage structure develops to sustain the plant's growth. Following a period of dormancy, generally in autumn, the plant exhibits vegetative growth where leaves and a flowering stalk emerge from the bulb in late winter to early spring. The striking striped flowers bloom briefly, displaying the characteristic purple and white patterns. After pollination, which often involves the assistance of early season pollinators, the plant sets seed that will eventually disperse into the surrounding soil. The foliage begins to die back as the plant enters a period of senescence, and the bulb goes into a state of dormancy during the summer months. This dormant stage lasts until the environmental conditions prompt the next cycle of growth, effectively repeating the life process.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Autumn

• The Crocus 'Pickwick', commonly known as Crocus, is mainly propagated through division of its corms. The best time to propagate the Crocus 'Pickwick' is in late summer to early fall, after the foliage has died back and the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the corms and inspect them for any signs of rot or damage, removing any unhealthy parts. Gently separate the offsets, which are the small corms that develop around the base of the mother plant, while making sure that each offset has a piece of the base to ensure it contains the necessary food reserves for successful growth. Replant these offsets around 3 to 4 inches deep (7.6 to 10 cm) and about 3 inches (7.6 cm) apart in well-drained soil. Water the newly planted corms lightly to settle the soil around them. This simple and effective method is the most popular way to propagate Crocus 'Pickwick' and helps to encourage the natural spread of the plant, often leading to a delightful display of blooms the following spring.