Peat-free blossoms at Crocus

Over the last 5 years, leading online plant retailer Crocus has been transitioning large-scale plant production to peat-free growing media. Through close collaboration with ICL and tailored peat-free mixes, the company is proving that going peat-free doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or productivity.

Launched in 2000, Crocus is the country’s most trusted and fastest growing online gardening brand. Offering more than 5,000 plant varieties plus tools and sundries, making it a one-stop destination for gardeners. Based near Bagshot, Surrey, Crocus has also grown plants for RHS Chelsea Flower Show gardens, collaborating with leading designers and winning over 35 gold medals.

The first online garden brand to achieve Plant Healthy status, Crocus is also a sustainability leader. The nursery is self-sufficient in water, recycles over 80 tonnes of green waste annually, and last year supplied more than 70% of its plants in recyclable pots.

In 2024, over 1.2 million plants were grown using Levington Advance Sustain peat-free media. “In 2025 we’re on track to grow 1.5 million plants, across some 1,300 varieties, in four bespoke ICL peat-free mixes – including a new line of 9L ornamental and fruit trees from bare root stock,” says James Hunter, Crocus Head of Production.

Strong quality plants

“When buying in plugs or stock, we try to source peat free plants where possible. However, delivering a strong and quality plant remains our top priority. We aim to be peat-free for ‘garden ready’ plants in 2026 – in line with the government’s originally proposed peat ban. Although there is still no clear deadline, we’ve pushed on with our peat-free journey as we didn’t want to be playing catch up.”

Four tailored peat-free mixes

Crocus has worked closely with the Levington Advance growing media brand for over a decade. “This is the second full season growing peat-free – working with ICL, the move has been relatively pain free.” adding, “However, that’s not to say it has been easy. We’ve had to look closely at how we are growing some crops and, in some cases, increased other inputs to ensure the same quality is achieved”. The nursery relies on four tailored mixes containing coir, bark, and various grades of Fibagro Advance woodfibre. Each includes ICL’s H2Gro wetting agent, base fertilisers, Micromax Premium for trace elements, and different rates of Osmocote-controlled release fertilisers.

“The peat-free herbaceous mix includes a high rate of Osmoform High N, which really helps to get plants moving in the first 8–10 weeks, compensating for any nitrogen lock-up from the wood-based materials,” explains ICL technical area sales manager Steve Chapman. “Osmocote High K (5–6 months) then takes over, producing compact, quality plants.”

Crocus recently began growing Acers. “They arrive in their dormant state and are quickly tricked into thinking it’s spring. It can be a sensitive crop because of this, and so getting the compost right was essential,” says James. “Working with Steve we’ve devised a mix that’s working well. It contains a low base rate of Osmocote N (5–6m), plus Osmocote 5 for a controlled 8–9 month release, and the biostimulant Vitalnova Triboost to enhance plant resilience.”

Peonies, another key crop, have their own custom blend. “They don’t like it too wet, so we use 45% coarse Fibagro to keep it open,” says Steve. “We combine that with Osmocote Exact High K (8–9m) for compact growth and Vitalnova Triboost to help minimise Peony wilt losses.”

In a new initiative for 2025, Crocus is growing 9L trees from bare root stock. “We are potting these up between November and March. The aim is for a 4-5month turnaround to saleable size, sometimes sooner depending on the variety and when this was potted” says James. “The bespoke peat-free mix with Osmocote 5 has worked well, we’ve seen a good response across the range.”

Customers expect premium quality

“For plants running out of steam or following trimming, we topdress with Osmocote Bloom. For faster results, we use Peters Professional Foliar Feed – it greens up plants within a week. Mail order customers pay a premium for convenience and expect premium quality. It’s our job to deliver that.

“I’ve worked with several members of the ICL team over the years at different nurseries. They’re more like technical advisers that also sell products, rather than salespeople. They’ve all been ex-growers who understand production and the day-to-day realities of running a nursery. They know how to communicate with growers. If I have a question or issue, Steve gets back to me quickly or loops in Technical Manager Andrew Wilson. It feels like there’s a knowledgeable, accessible team behind the business.”

A member of the IPPS (International Plant Production Society) committee for two years, James is the conference organiser for the 2025 IPPS European Tour. For more information, please click here: https://eu.jotform.com/app/250541818947364