Can I grow Crocus bulb in Rawalpindi

[hadimurad]

AOA, I just want to know about cultivation of Crocus Bulb (Safron) in Rawalpindi. And if its possible can i get it from Pakistan or have to get from outcountry....

[Tahir Khan]

Dear, Crocus is a complete failure in Rawalpindi, they are available at Awan seed store, committee chowk but they are suited to more colder environment like that of Murree.....He imports Tulips, Crocuses, Hyacinth for customers in Murree.

[Tahir Khan]

Try rain lilies instead, similar to crocus but don't produce saffron

[UMARKHANMARDAN]

Crocus needs chillings hours which our climate can not provide so Tahir is very right its a complete failure.

[Tahir Khan]

I once had the pleasure of visiting a very high commanding Army officer's official residence in Murree. we were not even allowed to take our vehicles in and were not even allowed to take any pictures, there i saw all types of Tulips and crocuses and some rarities that i had never seen before in their garden all maintained much like Keukenhof Gardens it was an amazing sight.

In short.. crocus and tulips are not for our warmer cities

[Munir]

I attempted growing Crocus last season.2 out 0f 4-5 planted, germinated & bloomed.Though looked good but stayed only 2 days,the main reason for which I ll not recommend. Images:

Crocus 23 feb.JPG (75.01 KiB) Viewed 6162 times

DSC00313.JPG (98.72 KiB) Viewed 6162 times

But if you want to get a feel, no harm trying once.

[hadimurad]

Thanks for your advises, one thing i will try this season is for tulips. One of my friend having maximum tulip last season by putting them in fridge for 15-20 days before sowing. As per him, this further extend the life of tulip after bloom.

[Tahir Khan]

Hadi....Tulips may bloom if pre-chilled but they might not re-bloom the next season, you can use them as annuals. why don't you try Freesias and Sparaxis ??? they are a super success in Rawalpindi environment.

[Tahir Khan]

Munir sb, my crocuses faced the same fate....i tried them 2 times but in vain...so i stopped growing them.

[Syed Adnan]

Crocus , tulips Hycinths are not accustomed to our climate, better not to waste money on these, even if they bloom they flowers are not healthy.