Planting Colchicums

Where to plant colchicums?

Colchicums thrive in full sun, but they can also be planted in the shade of large deciduous trees as long as they receive sufficient light. Undemanding, these meadow saffrons prefer light soils, tending towards neutral or acidic, relatively rich in organic matter. Don’t hesitate to enrich the soil with well-rotted compost. They particularly need moist to wet but well-drained ground to prevent bulb rot. Colchicums can be planted in flower beds, lawns, rockeries, woodland areas, or even in pots.

When to plant colchicums?

The ideal planting period for colchicums is late summer, from July to October depending on the region.

How to plant colchicum bulbs?

Here’s the translation:

• For a natural and harmonious scene, don’t hesitate to plant colchicums in groups of 5 bulbs, keeping 10 to 15 cm between each bulb. In this case, using a trowel, dig a wide hole where you’ll place a group of bulbs. If you prefer planting them one by one, dig a hole for each bulb using a bulb planter;
• Add some coarse sand at the bottom of the hole to improve drainage, especially if your soil is heavy;
• Place the bulbs in the planting holes, 10 to 15 cm deep, with the pointed end facing upwards;
• Cover them with soil and firm gently;
• Mark the spot (for example with a stick, label or small stake) to identify the bulbs’ location;
• There’s no need to water after planting.

The colchicum bulbs will root during winter and produce leaves next May-June before flowering beautifully next autumn. Never cut the leaves before they completely wither as this would destroy the bulbs.

To go further

• Discover our full range of autumn crocuses!
• Plant pairing ideas for autumn crocuses
• Our advice sheet: “How to grow autumn crocuses in pots?”