How to Grow Tecophilaea Plants

Guide to Growing Chilean Crocus and Chilean Blue Crocus

Tecophilaea is usually grown as a hardy bulb by gardeners.

Plants reache an height of 7 to 15 cm and bloom in the early months of spring.

When in bloom they carry funnel shaped flowers of blue, often with a white base.

A common name for members of this species is Chilean crocus.

The size of Tecophilaea plants crocuses make them ideal for growing in a rock garden.

How to Grow Chilean Crocus

It is easiest to grow Chilean Crocus and other Tecophilaea plants from corms; these should be planted about 7 to 12 cm deep at the end of summer or in early autumn. They should be spaced at about 10 to 15 cm apart and grown in a sunny part of the garden that has dry and sandy soil.

Tecophilaea are not the easiest plant to grow from seed. If you want to try then sow the seeds into pots in the autumn and lightly cover. Next, sink the pot into a shady part of the garden and cover with glass. Germination can take anything from one month to one years. Once the crocus seeds have sprouted remove the glass. Leave in situ for three years then transplant the corm at the beginning of autumn into its final location.

Caring for Tecophilaea

Tecophilaea take a little bit of care. They require to be fed towards the end of winter, and need to be watered during (and just before) their growing season (late winter and spring).

At the start of winter apply a mulch to protect them from the harsh winter environment. As soon as the corms start to sprout in the spring remove the mulch. If you require more Tecophilaea/Chilean crocus plants then they can be propagated by planting offsets in the autumn.