Crocus sativus (Saffron Crocus)
Saffron Crocus, Autumn Crocus
Celebrated for more than 2000 years, Crocus sativus or Saffron Crocus has been cultivated for its invaluable red stamens, the source of culinary saffron. This fall-blooming Crocus features large, lilac-purple blooms adorned with darker veins and yellow stamens and more importantly, three vivid red stigmas that extend over the petals. Precious, these three stigmas are the real saffron and said to be the most expensive spice in the world. It takes about 40,000 flowers to make one pound of sellable Saffron! Fortunately, it doesn't take much of true Saffron to spice up your dishes!
- Growing up to 4-5 inches tall (10-12 cm), this beauty naturalizes easily and will come back year after year! This crocus is sterile and will multiply by means of cormlets.
- Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Water freely during the growing season and apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer monthly. Keep completely dry in summer dormancy
- Perfect in beds and borders, banks and slopes, Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, or containers.
- To be planted in very early fall for flowering in mid-late fall.
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame when ripe or remove cormlets when dormant
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Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Crocus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 4" – 5" (10cm – 12cm) |
Spread | 4" (10cm) |
Spacing | 3" (7cm) |
Depth | 4" (10cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
viperagp / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 6
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 6
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Crocus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Fall |
Height | 4" – 5" (10cm – 12cm) |
Spread | 4" (10cm) |
Spacing | 3" (7cm) |
Depth | 4" (10cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |