Bulblets

[Jeffnz]

Is it possible to induce bulblet formation of crocus corms as is done with hyacinths and other like bulbs?
I am looking to populate a large area with crocus and seeking to produce my own supply rather than buying in.
Jeff

[pehe]

Jeff,
If you plant a crocus corm close to the surface and give it minimum water, it will break down to many small corms.
Another (and in my opinion better) way is to increase them by seeds. But that works only for species and fertile hybrids.

Poul

[Jeffnz]

Poul
Appreciate the reply,does this does this work for sterile crocus?
The crocus I have is a triploid so multiplication by seed is not possible?

[Janis Ruksans]

Poul
Appreciate the reply,does this does this work for sterile crocus?
The crocus I have is a triploid so multiplication by seed is not possible?

Shallow planting, bad conditions induces more sleeping buds to grow up.
Impossible to increase by cutting as in Liliaceae.
Janis

[Maggi Young]

A relevant comment from a snowdrop thread:

Apropos depth of planting and bulb size and increase - I have just started reading Janis Ruksans superb book on Crocuses (admittedly rather different to snowdrops!) but he mentions that corms planted 10cm deep formed 18 corms of 3.5cm in diameter after 3 years, whereas planted only 5cm deep they formed 32 corms but only 2cm in diameter. Even though galanthus are very different (ie: the bulbs are perennial rather than renewed each year) the same principles must apply. There must be commercial growers looking seriously at growing some of the special snowdrops. (In Janis Ruksans book he also mentions a couple of corms lifted from 47cm depth! A record?

[Janis Ruksans]

A relevant comment from a snowdrop thread:

Thanks Maggi. Can only add - as deeper you will plant as larger but fewer bulbs you will harvest. Of course there are some limits....
Janis

[Jeffnz]

Thank you all for the replies and suggestions to my question, the crocus I have is sativus. I purchased a few corms from a local commercial grower. The climate and soil types close to where we live appears to be suitable for growing saffron corms and my future plans are to possibly invest in a few acres of land and develop a saffron farm for my retirement.
However the cost per corm is not inconsiderate so I was looking for a 'paupers' way to increase corm stocks over the next few years in anticipation of a ending up with a small commecial scale operation.

[bulborum]

HI Jeff

the question is
Where are you based
means NZ behind your name New Zealand ?
for C. sativus shallow planting works
but it takes years to grow from the tiny ones FSize ones

Roland

[Gerry Webster]

Jeff - I've never deliberately induced cormlet (bulblet) formation in crocus but on those occasions when it has happened spontaneously my experience has been similar to Roland's - they take a very long time to reach flowering size, as long or longer than plants from seed.

[Susan Band]

Hi Jeff,
There was a page somewhere on the forum about saffron crocuses if you can find it it might be worth looking at.
Susan

[Maggi Young]

Hi Jeff,
There was a page somewhere on the forum about saffron crocuses if you can find it it might be worth looking at.
Susan

Good point Susan!

Jeff, see these threads :

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9833.0

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=9180.0

http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=8118.0

[Jeffnz]

There are a limited number of commercial saffron growers in New Zealand (NZ) which after looking into the 'art' does seem strange as some parts of the country would seem to be ideal for growing the corms. Maybe the thought of hand harvesting and removal of the stigmas are acting as a deterrent as we do not have a ready source of willing workers for this type of work. There is no way NZ growers can compete with producer countries such as Iran but we could look to focus on quality rather than quantity.
I purchased 10 corms, late in the year though and have planted these in bags and will use this as a training ground. A change to my normal gardening activities but who knows there may be a culinary delight as the bonus.
Again thanks to all those who have given advice.

[bulborum]

What soil are you using in the bags

Roland

[Jeffnz]

I use a comerecial potting mix which is bark based and contains pumice and slow release fertilisers. Bark based potting mixes are really all we can get in NZ, peat is a scarce resource and local peat sources are few and I understand removal controlled.

[bulborum]

I don't think your bulbs will like your potting mixture
Many bulbs and corms like a loam based mixture
I mix my potting mixture with Perlite , lava-stones , loam , sand and composted bark

Roland