Growing Crocus in South Africa

[Calvin Becker]

Hi all

I've recently joined the forum and thought it's time to introduce myself and start asking a few questions.

I live in South Africa and I mainly grow bulbs. The majority are of South African origin. I have become interested in growing Crocus, probably because they are almost impossible to obtain locally. I ,however, have no experience with growing Crocus and was wondering what the likelihood of them performing here would be? Are there any easy species for a beginner to try?

Thanks for any help!

Calvin

[Maggi Young]

Hello, Calvin, good to have you join us!
There are many experienced crocus growers in this forum who I am sure will have advice for you.

[Maggi Young]

Interestingly, we had a recent thread in the General section, where Peter Flory asked about growing crocus in Goa....not that much hope seemd forthcoming about his chance os success, but in South Africa your clomate may be a little kinder to them, Calvin, though I am doubtful 


 It seems that the charm of these bulbs is enticing folks from all countries to want to grow them  .... I cannot say I am surprised!!

[art600]

Calvin

Where in South Africa are you living?  It helps to know before we comment on your likely success with Crocus

[tonyg]

There is a thread on growing South African bulbs.  It may be that some of these growers also grow crocus and some may even be able to relate to your part of the world.  Worth a look perhaps?

[matoutdoors]

Gidday Calvin.. I can give you some advise on growing Crocus in climates such as yours... When I originaly started with Crocus I lived on the Coast, north of Sydney, Australia...I found the Crocus that did well for me were all the Autumnal flowering ones... especially those from medditeranian areas such a greece.... also a few of the winter ones from warmer areas such as Crocus imperati etc... You probably wont have much success growing ones such as Crocus vernus, chrysanthus etc etc... they need long cool winters to do well....

Hope this helps...

mat

[Thomas Huber]

Hello and a warm welcome, Calvin!

You could have a look to my reply to the same question, asked by Rogan in August 2007:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=680.msg16908#msg16908

Hope this helps

[Calvin Becker]

Hi

Thanks to everbody for the welcome and the replies!

Thomas, what a co-incidence that you mention Rogan as I too live in Pietermaritzburg and have only recently met him. I'll be sure to ask him about his experiences.

I used to only grow South African stuff but I went to this year's Chelsea Flower Show and saw all the amazing things on show by Avon Bulbs, Alpine Garden Society etc. and realised what i was missing out on! Crocus are probably only the start!

Now that I have an idea of what to start with, who and where are the best places  to start obtaining seeds and/or plants from?

[Ezeiza]

Hi Calvin:


We grew many species here near Buenos Aires, Argentina, where winters are mild and windy and the rest of the year we have a loooong summer. This is rather recent (4-5 years) as in the past we have four seasons a year.

Our crocuses, colchicums, fritillarias, tulips, etc. are all in a south facing huge bed where they receive strong light but in all little direct sunshine. This may sound odd to our northern Hemisphere friends but it must be mention than sunshine is so intense that the plants grow to perfection without the sun hours required up north.

Our bulbs/corms are in 20 litre plastic buckets and are left in them year round. If summers are too rainy (HA! we are becoming a desert) we just put the lids on for the summer.

Can you mention your highs and lows?

Best
Alberto

[Thomas Huber]

Calvin, please post Rogan's experiences here as an information for other interested forum readers.

I can also second Alberto's comments: On my journey's through France and Italy I always found Crocus in shaded areas under deciduous trees or under rocks, never in full sun except in high alpine areas.