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A bed of crocus

Crocus adds a welcome splash of colour

PHOTO: AP

RIGHT CHOICE Crocus also makes an ideal houseplant.

Crocus is a genus of about 80 species of small winter-flowering temporary houseplants grown from small corns, belonging to family Iridaceae. It derives its name from the Greek Kokos (saffron). Saffron is obtained from Cocus sativus.

Semi erect, slender lance-shaped grooved leaves are dark green with pale silvery green or white central stripes. The cup-shaped flowers may be mauve, white, purple, bronze, yellow or striped with two colours . The maximum height of the plant is 13-15 cm. They can be grown in front of a mixed or herbaceous border or in a rock garden, or raised beds in tubs outdoors.

The plants produce roots and little or no top growth during the cold season and have a brief flowering period. After this most of the leaves grow and die down within a couple of months. Crocus to be used indoors should be encouraged to make root growth before top growth gets well underway.

They will have this only if kept cool and then the pots should be kept inside when the flower buds begin to show some colour and these plants can then be enjoyed while in bloom.

When flowering has ended they can be put outside again and left to wither naturally in the pot, after which the crocus should be dried. They can be planted in the ground directly.

Crocus need full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Hybrid varieties make the most satisfactory houseplants. Use only one flower colour for each container, since different coloured varieties may bloom at different times.

Plant several crocus together just below the surface of the soil, in shallow pots or bowls.

Soil should be mixture of equal parts of loam, leaf mould, grit or sharp sand. Cover the container with plastic sheet till the flower appears. Water with care. Keep completely dry in summer, out of direct sunlight but in bright light.

CHITRA RADHAKRISHNAN

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