How to Grow Colchicum

You could have naked ladies in your garden in no time! Named because the flowers appear before the foliage Colchicum are super easy plants to grow. They are so eager to put on a show that if you don't plant them before the end of September they will flower anyway, whether they have been planted or not. Buy the largest corms you can afford as the bigger the bulb (or corm in this case) the bigger the flowers. They are extremely versatile and can even be used as a short term houseplant for a splash of autumn colour. Suitable for naturalising (being planted) in grass and under trees, borders and patio pots and containers. If you want to grow as a houseplant grow in a shallow container, (they will even grow without soil), then once the flowers are starting to fade plant them in the garden. 

Popular varieties to try: Autumnale, Waterlily, Lilac Wonder, Album

Available as: A bulb (well technically a corm) - buy the largest bulbs you can afford as they grow the biggest flowers

Flowers: September to November

Flower colour: Pink. White. 

Height: 4 inches

Foliage: Deciduous, so loses its leaves in winter and regrows the following spring

Position: Full sun to partial shade. South, north, east or west facing

Soil Type: Moist but well drained deep soil. Can be grown in containers

Planting depth: 3 inches deep, 6 inches apart

Feeding: None required in the ground. Feed pots with a general purpose fertiliser

Hardiness: Hardy in the UK so you can leave them outside all year without protection. Disappears underground in winter

Pests and Diseases: Reasonably trouble free. Slugs and snails may have a nibble.

Propagation:  Bulbs will multiply, dig up and replant bulbs when dormant

Toxicity: Highly toxic if eaten, so don't. Bulbs may cause skin irritation, rashes and swelling so wear gloves when handling