How to Grow Crocus 'Pickwick'
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Crocus 'Pickwick'
Crocus sativus 'Pickwick'
flowerCrocus 'Pickwick' is a charming spring-flowering bulb known for its distinctive striped petals in shades of purple and white. This variety is one of the earliest crocuses to bloom, often appearing while snow is still on the ground, making it excellent for naturalizing in lawns and borders. It's a low-maintenance perennial that reliably returns year after year.
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Example Crocus 'Pickwick' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Crocus 'Pickwick'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Crocus 'Pickwick' blooms
Around Apr 29≈ 12 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with excellent cold hardiness
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Dormancy
June-SeptemberCorms are dormant underground during summer and early fall, accumulating cold hours needed for flowering.
Store corms in cool, dry conditions before planting in autumn. Ensure no moisture on corms to prevent rot.
Root Development
4-6 weeksAfter planting in fall, roots emerge and establish in cooler soil temperatures.
Keep soil consistently moist after planting to encourage root growth. Mulch lightly to moderate soil temperature.
Emergence & Budding
2-3 weeksThin green shoots and flower buds push through soil in late winter or early spring, often before surrounding plants.
Monitor for late frost damage. Remove any protective mulch gradually as temperatures warm. Ensure drainage is excellent.
Flowering
2-4 weeksDistinctive purple and white striped flowers open in sunlight, typically lasting 1-2 weeks per flower.
Flowers open and close with sunlight—sunny days showcase blooms best. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage repeat blooms on same corm.
Post-Bloom & Foliage
4-6 weeksGrass-like foliage continues to photosynthesize after flowers fade, storing energy in the corm for next year.
Do NOT mow or remove foliage until it yellows and dies back naturally (4-6 weeks after flowering). Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; apply neem oil if infestations are severe. Most damage is minor and rarely warrants treatment.
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Remove debris and dense ground cover where they hide. Use slug traps, copper tape, or diatomaceous earth around planting areas.
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Protect newly planted corms with wire mesh or fencing. Some gardeners interplant with daffodils, which rodents avoid.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Plant in raised beds or amend heavy soil with grit. Remove affected corms.
Uses
Edible petals & garnish
CulinaryCrocus petals are mildly sweet and edible, making beautiful garnishes for salads, desserts, and cocktails. They add visual appeal and a subtle, delicate flavor to gourmet dishes. [source]
Early bee forage
WildlifeCrocus 'Pickwick' provides crucial early-season nectar and pollen for honeybees, bumblebees, and other pollinators emerging from winter dormancy. Its early bloom time fills a critical gap in spring bee nutrition. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdThe vibrant purple-and-white striped blooms make charming small bouquets and table arrangements. Their delicate form works beautifully in spring floral designs and naturalized garden displays. [source]
Garden naturalization & lawn color
CraftCrocus 'Pickwick' is ideal for naturalizing in lawns, woodland edges, and meadows, creating a stunning carpet of early spring color. It multiplies slowly over time for increasing displays with minimal effort. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalSome crocus species have been used traditionally in folk medicine for mood support and mild anti-inflammatory properties, though 'Pickwick' is primarily ornamental. Always consult a healthcare provider before internal use. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Crocuses are ornamental flowers—enjoy them in the garden or cut for small bouquets. Cut stems just above soil level in the morning when flowers are fully open. They last 3-5 days indoors in water. Do not harvest foliage; allow it to naturally yellow before removing. For seed collection, allow a few flowers to remain unpollinated and dry.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Crocus 'Pickwick' is named for its distinctive purple and white striped coloring that resembles the clothing of Charles Dickens' Pickwick character.
- 🌱 Crocuses are one of the earliest harbingers of spring, often blooming while snow is still on the ground, and can survive frost and freeze cycles.
- 🌱 A single crocus plant can persist and slowly multiply for decades in the same location, making it an excellent long-term perennial investment requiring minimal maintenance.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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