Yellow Crocus (Crocus flavus)

Yellow Crocus

Crocus flavus

Golden blooms pierce late winter frost, a bright herald of spring. Bulbous perennial flowering plant; common name: Yellow Crocus.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; requires direct sunlight for optimal blooming and corm health
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Watering Water sparingly during active growth; avoid waterlogging corms to prevent fungal rot
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Temperature Cold-hardy to -15°C; dormant in summer heat above 20°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, linear, grass-like basal leaves with a central white stripe, emerging alongside or after flowers
  • Flower: Bright golden-yellow, cup-shaped blooms with six tepals; lightly fragrant in select cultivars
  • Corm: Small underground storage corm with a papery protective tunic
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth (late winter to early spring)

Fertilization

Light, balanced feed as foliage emerges. Use diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer to support corm development without promoting excessive foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tsp around corms in early autumn before dormancy
Pruning
  • Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming to nourish corms for next season
  • Remove spent flower heads to prevent seed formation and conserve corm energy
  • Thin overcrowded corms every 3–4 years in late summer to improve blooming
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no reported toxic reactions

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes hope and new beginnings in European spring folklore

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; small cut flower arrangements for indoor display