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