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Perennial fall-blooming corm
Iridaceae
Crocus bleu naturalisant à floraison printanière
Crocus FF Sativus - Saffron Crocus
Crocus sativus
Product code : VAN-145-140-01
Crocus sativus, also known as saffron crocus, is an elegant fall-blooming corm that produces delicate purple flowers with orange-red stigmas that can be harvested for homegrown saffron. Easy to grow in full sun and very well-drained soil, it is perfect for pots, borders, rock gardens and sunny garden beds.
- Quantity
- 5 cormes
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Life cycle
- Perennial
Discover the plant
Common nameSaffron crocus
FamilyIridaceae
GenusCrocus
Speciessativus
TypePerennial fall-blooming corm
Botanical nameCrocus sativus
Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is a fall-blooming perennial grown from corms and prized for its delicate lilac to violet flowers and bright orange-red stigmas, which are harvested and dried as culinary saffron. Its fine, grassy foliage appears around flowering and continues through the cool season before the plant enters dormancy. Compact and elegant, it is well suited to rock gardens, sunny borders, herb gardens, raised beds and well-drained containers. It should not be confused with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), which is a different plant.
Plant Crocus sativus corms from late summer to early fall in a warm, sunny and very well-drained location. Light sandy, gravelly or loamy soil is ideal, especially where water does not sit during winter. Plant the corms about 10 to 15 cm deep, spacing them around 10 cm apart so they have room to settle in and slowly form small groups over time. In colder or wetter regions, choose a protected spot near a warm wall, in a raised bed or in a container with excellent drainage.
Water moderately after planting, then keep watering limited once the plant is established or dormant, as soggy soil can cause corm rot. A light addition of mature compost or bulb fertilizer is usually enough; avoid too much nitrogen. In the garden, saffron crocus combines beautifully with thyme, sedum, lavender in warm sites, miniature iris, low-growing perennials and fine ornamental grasses. Plant in small groups for a natural effect, and avoid aggressive spreading plants that could smother the foliage.
The flowers may attract late-season pollinators when fall weather is mild. Harvesting is done flower by flower by carefully removing only the long red stigmas, then drying them gently before storing them away from light. With its refined fall bloom and culinary value, Crocus sativus brings both ornamental beauty and a small touch of homegrown saffron to the garden.
Planting guide
Plant well.Grow beautifully.
Planting depth
10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)
Spacing / density
Approximately 10 cm (4 in)
Best planting time
End of summer, August to September
Propagation
Corms and separation of cormels after dormancy
Growing method
Plant the 5 corms in late summer, ideally in August or September, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) deep and about 10 cm (4 in.) apart. Choose full sun in rich but light, neutral to alkaline soil, amended with fine gravel for quick drainage. Water generously after planting, then moderately during growth. Keep the soil drier during summer dormancy and absolutely avoid waterlogged depressions. A small amount of mature compost is sufficient. In Quebec, favor a sheltered, south-facing border, a raised rock garden, or a cold-wintered pot, without moving the corms to a warm room. Harvest freshly opened flowers on a dry day, ideally in the morning, then remove only the three red stigmas with clean tweezers. Do not remove the shorter, orange anthers. Dry the threads at room temperature on a clean surface for at least 24 hours, then store them in an opaque airtight container. It takes about 150 flowers to obtain one gram of dry saffron; five corms therefore yield a small harvest. Always identify the plant with certainty, as autumn crocus is different and toxic. Then, allow the foliage to yellow naturally so that the corms can replenish their reserves and produce cormlets.
Soil and care
The right care,at the right time.
Soil pH
Neutral to alkaline
Minimum temperature
Around -34°C in well-drained soil, corresponding to zone 4
Care level
Easy to grow when planted in full sun and very well-drained soil. Once established, saffron crocus requires little maintenance and can return year after year when conditions are suitable. The most important factor is to avoid heavy, wet or poorly drained soil, as Crocus sativus bulbs prefer a dry, light and airy growing environment.
Watering
Water moderately after planting to help the corms establish, then allow the soil to dry between waterings. Crocus sativus does not tolerate soggy soil, especially during dormancy and winter.
Soil type
Crocus sativus prefers light, fertile and very well-drained soil, ideally sandy, gravelly or loamy. Avoid heavy, compact or constantly wet soil, as it can cause corm rot.
Fertilization
A light application of mature compost or bulb fertilizer at planting time is usually enough. Avoid excess nitrogen, which can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowering and may reduce corm quality.
Moisture
Maintain average, consistent moisture during establishment, growth, and bloom, without leaving corms in saturated soil. Rapid drainage is essential for perennial hardiness, especially in zone 4. Reduce watering when foliage yellows. A light mulch keeps plants cool in summer, but keep it away from new shoots to ensure good air circulation.
Seasonal care
Plant Crocus sativus bulbs in fall, ideally before the ground freezes. After planting, water lightly to help the corms establish, then avoid keeping the soil too wet. Crocus sativus blooms in fall, and the narrow foliage should be left in place until it naturally yellows. This allows the bulbs to store energy for the following season and encourages better flowering year after year.
Container growing
A garden,within reach.
Recommended pot size
35 to 8 to 10 cm (14 to 16 in.) in diameter and at least 8 to 10 cm (3 in.) deep for 5 corms
For 5 corms, choose a container at least 28 to 10 cm (11 to 4 in) wide and 20 cm (8 in) deep, with several drainage holes. Fill it with a lightweight potting mix amended with perlite or fine gravel. In autumn, plant the corms 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) deep and about 8 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in) apart, then water once. Keep the pot outdoors in a cold, bright location protected from excessive rain; the corms need the summer cold to flower. In very exposed areas, place the container against a wall or in an unheated cold frame and insulate its sides, without moving it into a warm room. In autumn, return it to the sun and keep the mixture slightly moist, never saturated. After flowering, continue moderate watering until the leaves are completely yellow. Then stop watering during summer dormancy. The corms can remain in the pot if drainage remains free; repot and separate crowded clumps the following autumn. This practice respects the natural cycle of the autumn crocus, keeps the corms healthy in well-drained soil, and promotes reliable purple flowering with the return of the first effectively
Bloom and dimensions
Its place,in your garden.
Mature height
10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)
Width / spread
7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in)
Growth rate
Moderate
Growth habit
Stocking, dressed, and naturalizing
Bloom period
Fall, usually September to October depending on the region and planting time.
Harvest
Harvest the red stigmas as soon as the flowers open, then dry them gently before storing them in an airtight container away from light.
Garden associations
In goodcompany.
Companion plants
Thyme, sedum, miniature iris, low ornamental grasses, lavender in warm sites, oregano, rock garden plants and dry-soil perennials.
Recipe idea
From the gardento your plate.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions,answered.
When to plant Crocus sativus bulbs in Canada?
Plant the 5 corms in late summer, ideally in August or September, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in.) deep and about 10 cm (4 in.) apart. Choose full sun in rich but light, neutral to alkaline soil, amended with fine gravel for quick drainage. Water generously after planting, then moderately during growth. Keep the soil drier during summer dormancy and absolutely avoid waterlogged depressions. A small amount of mature compost is sufficient. In Quebec, opt for a sheltered south-facing border, a raised rock garden, or a pot overwintered in a cold room, without bringing the corms into a warm room.
How to plant Crocus sativus bulbs?
The recommended exposure is sun to partial shade. Observe the light at the chosen location in the morning and afternoon, as the shade from trees or buildings changes throughout the day. Also consider nearby plants: their foliage can obscure a young planting as it develops. In a container, place the pot where you can move it if conditions become too hot or too shady. Suitable exposure must go hand in hand with proper soil and watering. If you move a plant started indoors to the outdoors, gradually accustom it to garden conditions to avoid too abrupt a transition for the young leaves.
What growing conditions does Crocus sativus need?
Water according to the actual soil moisture, taking into account rain, heat, and wind. Check below the surface before deciding to water again: soil that is dry on the surface may still be moist at the root level. Direct the water to the base and allow it to penetrate, without keeping the plant in saturated soil. Containers generally require more frequent checks because they dry out faster. Make sure their drainage holes remain clear and empty any water collected in saucers. Also adapt care to the plant's cycle: active growth and a resting period do not require the same watering.
Can Crocus sativus be grown in pots?
Container gardening requires you to plan for the necessary volume for the roots and the plant's final height. Choose a stable pot with drainage holes and a substrate suitable for planting. Leave enough space to allow for the recommended depth and spacing, rather than cramming plants together to fill the pot immediately. Place the container in the indicated exposure and regularly check the moisture level, especially in hot or windy weather. A pot is more exposed to temperature variations than planting in the ground. Therefore, plan from the outset for a wintering location compatible with the plant's needs and your region's climate.
When does Crocus sativus bloom and how do you harvest saffron?
Harvest freshly opened flowers on a dry day, ideally in the morning, then remove only the three red stigmas with clean tweezers. Do not pick the shorter, orange stamens. Dry the threads at room temperature on a clean surface for at least 24 hours, then store them in an opaque, airtight container. It takes about 150 flowers to obtain one gram of dried saffron; five corms therefore yield a small harvest. Always positively identify the plant, as autumn crocus is different and toxic. Then let the foliage yellow naturally so that the corms can replenish their reserves and produce cormlets.
Wildlife and pets
Life,around your plants.
Supporting wildlife
Crocus sativus can attract bees and other late-season pollinators thanks to its fall bloom. Freshly planted corms may also attract rodents, so protection can be useful in areas with high pressure.