Plant young plants of *Colchicum*

Where to plant the young plants?

Colchicums thrive in full sun, but they can also be planted in the shade of large deciduous trees as long as they receive enough light. Not demanding, meadow saffrons prefer light, neutral or acidic soils that are relatively rich in organic matter. Feel free to enrich the soil with well-decomposed compost. They primarily need a cool to moist but well-drained ground to prevent the bulbs from rotting. Colchicums can be planted in a border, a short grass meadow, a rockery, under trees, or even in pots.

When to plant colchicums?

The ideal planting period for young plants is late summer, from July to October depending on the regions.

How to plant colchicum bulbs?

• For a natural and harmonious scene, do not hesitate to plant the colchicums in groups of 5 bulbs, keeping a space of 10 to 15 cm between each bulb. In this case, using a trowel, dig a wide hole in which you will place a group of bulbs. If you prefer to plant them one by one, dig a hole for each bulb using a bulb planter;
• Add a bit of coarse sand at the bottom of the hole to improve drainage, especially if your soil is heavy;
• Place the bulbs in the planting holes, between 10 and 15 cm deep, with the tip of the bulb facing upwards.
• Cover them with soil and lightly firm down;
• Put a marker (for example, a stick, a label, or a small stake) to identify the location of the bulbs;
• It is not necessary to water after planting.

Colchicum bulbs will root during winter and will produce leaves in May and June next year to bloom beautifully in the following autumn. You must not cut the leaves before they have completely dried out, otherwise you will destroy the bulbs.

To go further

• Discover our entire range of colchicums!
• Ideas for pairing colchicums
• Our advice sheet “How to grow colchicums in pots?”