Propagation
Sow seed when ripe during autumn in pots and place in a cold frame to germinate. Plant out from container in 2 years.
Division of cormlets when dormant.
Culture
When planting Crocus space up to 150mm (6in) apart at a depth of 75mm (3in). The plant develops new corms each year on top of the existing forcing the plant out of the ground. Every 2 to 3 years the corms should be lifted, then dried and replanted in late winter for autumn flowering species.
Botanic information
Leaf: The dark green long linear keeled leaves have a silvery stripe down the centre. The leaves sometimes appear with the flower.
Flower: The cyathiform flowers have 6-perianth segments with a central column and a long whitish perianth-tube and normally appear before the leaves. It has 3-free stamens and the style may be longer with a wedge-shaped stigma. They appear during autumn.
Fruit: The small fruit is a 3-valved capsule that matures at above or slightly below ground level and the small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.