Colchicum Growing Guide

Colchicum autumnale

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Average garden soil with excellent drainage.

Position

Full sun in spring, partial shade in summer.

Frost tolerant

Good. Fall-blooming colchicums (C. autumnale) are hardy to -25F (-32C).

Feeding

Fertilize with a balanced organic fertilizer in spring, when new growth appears.

Spacing

Single Plants: 5" (15cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 5" (15cm) with 5" (15cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out bulbs from mid to late summer, while they are dormant. Cover the bulbs with 3in inches (8 cm) of soil.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Colchicum bulbs are expensive, but will persist for years in good locations. Colors include pink, white and lavender.

Harvesting

Despite their short stems, colchicums make good cut flowers. Harvest when the buds are just beginning to open. Allow unharvested flowers to remain in the garden until they set seed, if possible.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Colchicum

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail