Unknown autumn crocus

Pretty :o)

I don't appear to have any! I think I had about 20 in the tub?

Plantholic have a look at the difference between your Crocus and the one shown by Amy on the 14th Nov.yours is similar to the ones I grow and they are not the saffron Crocus.
B

Thanks Bjs, they were given to me by a friend obviously misnamed have you any idea of the true name?

Have had a look at Bowles book on Crocus ( I don't possess a modern book on them)he has a water colour in it of C.Speciosus Globosus. that looks very close, but bear in mind someone may have changed the name in the last seventy five years.More than once.
Well I have just googled it ,there is an AGS picture of it but I am hard pushed to believe the colour print is correct ,It is definitely Mauve in Bowles book.
B

I believe the stigmas would be much redder in colour for the Saffron crocus Ph but I'm no expert , I have the picture on the packet that came with my bulbs if it's any help , but then again the picture on the packet is the same as my photo on here ...

Amy yours are definitely the saffron.

Yes I know they are Brian I have all the paper work from the company I bought them from also I was in touch with them about extra instructions I needed to help me grow them properly which they kindly sent me from the garden and technical adviser ... .....

Better than none at all!!

Interesting Amy what extra advice did they give you, does relate to feeding them at this time of year.

It doesn't advise feeding them now Brian it tells you to improve the soil where you'll grow the Saffron with some organic material , Saffron thrives in rich soil , so mix in some compost or other organic material, into the soil .
They like full sun in rich well drained soil on heavier soil add some sand to help break up the soil
Keep the soil dry during the summer but water more often in the autumn ,Saffron crocus are dormant in the summer and should be kept dry ,however when they come to life on the autumn they do need the occasional watering to keep the soil from drying out .
After flowering Don't cut off the long thin leaves that will appear as these thin leaves allow bulbs to regenerate and enlarge year on year to produce up to 3 smaller bulbs which you can replant if you wish .
I hope this helps I can send you this growing instructions sheet if you would like it ..I think I have most of it here :o)

Amy
I think that is much about what I would expect from most bulbs which like a baking in summer,I asked originally as i have read several articles of late where the growers are advocating a feed just as the leaves emerge,several opt for blood fish & bone.Am thinking of trying it for some of my small bulbs.

That sounds reasonable Brian the phosphate makes strong healthy roots it may help to stop them working their way to the surface ...

Beautiful!

Thanks Aleyna :o)