Identifying Tommies: The Early-Blooming Crocus tommasinianus

Spring Surprise: Seed Pods or Crocus Offspring?

Those mysterious "seed things" popping up in your garden? They're indeed from the crocuses that bloomed earlier in spring. You've got a lovely colony of Tommies—Crocus tommasinianus—a species celebrated for its early arrival.

Characteristics of Tommies

These crocuses bloom before almost any other bulb, often appearing in early February. Their flowers range from deep blue-lavender to pale white-blue. Grass-like foliage emerges in winter but vanishes by summer, a typical adaptation for spring ephemerals.

Transplanting for Better Naturalization

For a more natural look and to protect them from mowing, dig up blooming clumps in February. Replant them under a Japanese maple or in a woodland area where the foliage can die back undisturbed. This mimics their native habitat and encourages spreading.