Comparing Crocus varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Crocus family and have some observations to share. wide range of flower forms, heights, and flowering times varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — leaving foliage to die back naturally after flowering applies across all of them.

narcissus fly larvae tunnelling into the base of the bulb affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a naturalised lawn planting for a wild spring effect which works well for most varieties. earliest crocuses and snowdrops emerging in late winter is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.