Crocus FF Sativus - Saffron Crocus

Crocus FF Sativus - Saffron Crocus

Latin name Crocus sativus
Quantity per bag 5 corms
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.
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Product information
Bulb
identification
Latin nameCrocus sativus
FamilyIridaceae
CyclePerennial
Bulb typePerennial fall-blooming corm
Quantity per pack5 corms
Product
description

The saffron crocus, Crocus sativus, is a bulbous perennial grown from corms and often searched for under names such as Crocus sativus, Crocus sativus bulbs, saffron crocus sativus or saffron crocus bulbs. A member of the Iridaceae family, this fall-blooming plant is known for its elegant cup-shaped flowers, ranging from pale lilac to soft violet, and its highly decorative orange-red stigmas, which are harvested as culinary saffron. Its fine, linear green foliage resembles a small tuft of grass and appears around the time of flowering, then continues to grow through the cool season before the plant enters dormancy. Compact, delicate and luminous, the Crocus sativus plant is well suited to rock gardens, borders, well-drained garden beds, herb gardens and natural-style landscapes. In Canadian gardens, it is especially valued for its late-season bloom, refined appearance and the possibility of harvesting a small amount of homegrown saffron from the dried stigmas. It should never be confused with autumn crocus, or Colchicum autumnale, which is a different plant.

Growing Crocus sativus requires a bright, warm and very well-drained location, ideally in full sun, with light sandy, gravelly or loamy soil that does not hold water during winter. Crocus sativus corms are usually planted from late summer to early fall, about 10 to 15 cm deep, with approximately 10 cm of spacing between each corm. This gives the bulbs enough room to settle in and form small colonies over time. In colder or wetter regions, choose a protected site, such as near a warm wall, in a raised garden bed or in a very well-drained container. Water moderately after planting, then keep watering very limited when the plant is dormant, as soggy soil can cause corm rot. A light application of mature compost or bulb fertilizer is usually enough, without adding too much nitrogen. Crocus sativus cultivation is easiest when the soil stays relatively dry in summer and remains well drained through winter.

In the garden, saffron crocus combines beautifully with low-growing perennials, fine ornamental grasses, thyme, sedum, lavender in warm sites, miniature iris and other dry-soil plants that will not smother it. For a natural effect, plant Crocus sativus bulbs in small groups in a sunny border, rock garden, herb garden or decorative pot on a balcony. Avoid overly wet areas and strong competition from aggressive spreading plants. The flowers may attract bees and other late-season pollinators when fall weather allows, while freshly planted corms can sometimes attract rodents, so physical protection may be useful in areas where pressure is high. Harvesting is done flower by flower by removing only the long red stigmas, then drying them gently before storing them away from light. With its rare charm, fall bloom and culinary value, Crocus sativus offers the chance to grow a small living luxury directly in the garden.

Main
benefit
The main appeal of Crocus sativus is its delicate purple fall bloom and its valuable red stigmas, which can be harvested and dried to make your own saffron at home. It is both ornamental and useful, making it a unique addition to the garden for anyone interested in growing Crocus sativus or producing homegrown saffron.
Garden
placement
Where to plant Ideal for sunny garden beds, rock gardens, borders, fall displays and decorative pots. Crocus sativus can be planted in groups for a natural effect and works especially well in small spaces. Its purple flowers, red saffron stigmas and fall blooming period add an elegant, colorful and original touch to the garden at the end of the season.
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.
Planting
and care
ExposureFull sun
Planting periodLate August to September
Best planting time

Plant Crocus sativus bulbs from late August to October, before the ground freezes.

Planting depth10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)
Planting density

Plant approximately 8 to 10 Crocus sativus bulbs per square foot, spacing each corm 7 to 10 cm apart.

Rooting temperatureNot applicable; plant the corms in still-warm soil, ideally before hard fall frosts.
WateringWater 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 typeCrocus 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.
Soil pHNeutral to alkaline
FertilizationA 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.
Container
growing
Recommended pot size

Use a pot at least 15 to 20 cm deep with excellent drainage.

Crocus sativus grows beautifully in pots, making it an excellent choice for balconies, patios, sunny entrances and small outdoor spaces. For best results, choose a deep container with drainage holes and fill it with a light, fertile and very well-draining potting mix. The corms should be planted deep enough to root properly, while avoiding excess moisture that could cause them to rot.

Place the pot in a warm, sunny location, as saffron crocus needs plenty of light to produce a strong fall bloom. After planting, water moderately to help the corms establish. Once growth begins, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings and avoid keeping the container wet, especially during winter or dormancy. In colder climates, it is best to protect the pot from severe freezing and frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
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.
Growing
method

Plant Crocus sativus corms from late August to September in a warm, sunny and very well-drained location. Set the corms 10 to 15 cm deep, with about 7 to 10 cm of spacing, in light, neutral to alkaline soil that never stays soggy. Water moderately after planting, then limit moisture during dormancy. Crocus sativus usually blooms in fall, and the red stigmas can be harvested by hand as soon as the flowers open.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden
Bloom periodFall, usually September to October depending on the region and planting time.
HarvestHarvest the red stigmas as soon as the flowers open, then dry them gently before storing them in an airtight container away from light.
Companion plantsThyme, sedum, miniature iris, low ornamental grasses, lavender in warm sites, oregano, rock garden plants and dry-soil perennials.
Plants to avoidRodents, squirrels, voles, birds, heavy soil, excess moisture and poor drainage.
Wildlife appealCrocus 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.
Size
and growth
Height10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in)
Spread7 to 10 cm (3 to 4 in)
Growth rateModerate
Rooting / establishmentNot applicable; Crocus sativus is grown from corms, not from viable seeds.
Crocus FF Sativus - Saffron Crocus
Recipe
and inspiration

Crocus sativus produces small red stigmas that can be dried and used as culinary saffron. For a simple recipe, steep a few dried saffron threads in a small amount of warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, then add the infusion to rice, risotto, soup, creamy sauce or roasted vegetables. A small amount is enough to add a golden color and delicate aroma.

Frequently asked questions

Crocus sativus bulbs are best planted from late August to early fall, before the soil becomes too cold. This gives the corms time to establish before fall blooming and winter. In Canada, choose a warm, sunny and well-drained location to improve success and avoid planting in heavy, wet soil.

To plant Crocus sativus bulbs, place the corms about 10 to 15 cm deep in light, well-drained soil. Space them 7 to 10 cm apart and plant them in full sun. Crocus sativus is grown from corms, not viable seeds, so choose quality saffron crocus bulbs for the best results.

Crocus sativus grows best in full sun and in light, fertile, very well-drained soil. A neutral to slightly alkaline soil is ideal. Water moderately after planting, then reduce watering once the plant becomes dormant. Avoid wet, compact or poorly drained soil, as excess moisture can damage the corms.

Yes, Crocus sativus can be grown in pots if the container is deep, has drainage holes and is filled with a very well-draining mix. It is a good option for sunny balconies, patios and small gardens. In cold climates, protect the pot from excess winter moisture and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Crocus sativus usually blooms in fall, often from September to October depending on the planting date and growing conditions. The red stigmas can be harvested by hand as soon as the flowers open, then dried gently and stored in an airtight container away from light. This is how saffron is collected from the saffron crocus flower.

The availability of our bulbs, cloves, tubers, rhizomes, seeds and plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may only be available for a limited time, depending on their natural cycle, planting period or available stock. These product pages are designed to guide and inspire your plant choices for the garden, vegetable garden, landscaping, container growing or sustainable outdoor projects.

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