The Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant are bulbs of a crocus with large, velvety flowers in deep purple. The flowers reach around 10 centimetres. Ruby Giant is a strong naturalising bulb: the bulbs return every year and after a few seasons form an ever denser carpet of purple flowers.

The bulbs are size 5/+ and each produce one or more flowers. They suit borders, path edges, pots and the gaps between perennials, and they naturalise well in the lawn. With 50 bulbs you fill a few pots or a spot next to the front door, with 100 bulbs a strip along the path. With 200 or 400 bulbs you create a purple blanket in the lawn or between perennials; allow 100 to 150 bulbs per square metre. For a varied picture, place them next to yellow or white crocus bulbs. You will find more greenery for outdoors among our outdoor plants.

When should you plant the Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant?

Plant the Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant between mid-October and the end of November, once the soil temperature has dropped below 10 °C. During those weeks the corms still root well without already forming leaves. If the ground is not yet frozen in December, you can still plant them then. Crocuses need a good period of cold; planting in spring therefore gives no flowers.

When do the Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant flower?

The Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant flower in March and April. Each corm produces a few flowers that open one after another, so a group gives two to three weeks of colour. In a pot in a sheltered, sunny spot they often open earlier; after a long, cold winter they take a little longer. Left undisturbed, they spread every year through new cormlets and seed.

Care and tips Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant

Set the corms pointed end up, about 7 to 8 centimetres deep, roughly two to three times their own height, with 5 to 7 centimetres between them. Any loose garden soil that drains well is suitable; lighten heavy clay with some sand or compost. Choose a pot with a drainage hole and a bottom layer of gravel or crocks; you will find a suitable one among our outdoor pots and baskets. After flowering, let the foliage turn yellow before removing it, and in the lawn wait about six weeks before mowing. Scatter some bulb fertiliser in autumn and they will naturalise faster.

Water needs of the Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant

Once in open ground, the bulbs manage perfectly well on rainwater. Only if the autumn after planting stays dry for a long time do you give them one good soaking. Keep bulbs in a pot or planter lightly moist from the moment the leaves appear, without the soil becoming wet. A saucer full of water is fatal, because the corms will rot.

Light needs of the Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant

The Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant grow best in the sun. Only with enough light do the velvety flowers open fully. They also do well under trees that come into leaf late, because plenty of sun still reaches the ground there in March and April.

Are the Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant toxic?

The Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant are mildly toxic if ingested, especially the corms. Store and plant them out of reach of pets and young children. If you have sensitive skin, wear garden gloves while planting.

How will my Crocus bulbs Ruby Giant be shipped?

Your bulbs are carefully packed and shipped. That way they arrive safely and fresh from the grower.