new!

Saffron Crocus Autumn Flowering Crocus

corms
$7.50
Item: 6472-A
$13.50
Item: 6472-B
$25.50
Item: 6472-C
$58.00
Item: 6472-D
Crocus sativus
Fall blooms.

Valued for millennia for its three extra-long orange-red stigmas used for seasoning, medicine and dye. The domesticated sterile flower opens broadly in the October sun, with classic crocus leaves. Petals range from light lilac to violet with darker veins. Not found in the wild; genetic research points to domestication in eastern Greece or Crete over 3500 years ago.

Prefers moist friable well-drained soil high in organic matter, and full sun. Lightly forking the bed in summer when corms are dormant will help separate and spread bulblets in the bed. Apply a thick layer of mulch for winter if growing in Zone 5, the edge of its hardiness range. Zone 5-9. 9-10cm bulbs. 

3-4" tall. NEW!
ships in fall

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Spring-Loaded Bulb Planter
Quick Details
Height
3-4"
Bloom Color
lilac
Hardy in Zones
5–9
Bloom Time
fall
Additional Information

Spring Crocus

A classic for early spring color that also provides early food for bees. One of the most popular genera, they are welcome precursors of spring—colorful, long-lived, and easy to grow. Their waxy coat allows them to bloom even through a late snow. Flowers open wide in bright sun and close up at night and on grey days. Once established, crocus can spread by “cormlets” and seed in well-drained areas. Foliage of low-growing varieties fades before the grass needs mowing.

In his award-winning book The Holistic Orchard, Michael Phillips recommended planting crocus in the orchard to help attract and retain native orchard mason bees. Crocus provide a pollen source before the fruit trees bloom.

Very hardy, Zones 3-8.

Fall-blooming Saffron Crocus

These true crocus, close cousins to the spring flowers, produce one of the world’s great spices. Plant these in a sunny protected spot where they will be visible during their mid-late fall bloom.

Harvesting Saffron

Growing your own saffron is truly a labor of love. You’ll be delighted when a tiny pinch (10–15 threads) makes your paella pop!

  • In the early morning when the blossoms open, pluck the red stigma threads with tweezers.
  • Dry threads on a paper towel or mesh screen in a warm dark place for 3–5 days. If using an oven or dehydrator, set on very low temp, no more than 120˚F for 15 minutes.
  • Store in an airtight container in a dark cool place.
  • Cooking tip: Soak threads in a dash of warm water for 10 minutes before adding to your dish.

Shipping

Items from our perennial plants warehouse will ship around late September through October. Bulbs can be planted successfully up until your ground freezes.

Note to Alaska and far north customers: We cannot guarantee an early shipment, so please plan accordingly and order early.

We cannot accommodate specific ship date requests or guarantee your order will arrive by a certain day.