bulb corm tuber

Saffron Crocus

Crocus sativus 'Saffron Fall'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Bulb Corm Tuber

Height

4 inches

Width

4 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate during active growth; dry during summer dormancy

Humidity

Dry to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial corm

Native To

Greece, Crete, Iran

Toxicity

Corms are toxic. Saffron spice is safe in culinary amounts but toxic in large doses.

The Story

Plant Bio

Crocus sativus, commonly known as Saffron Crocus, is known for producing the prized saffron spice from its stigmas. A fall-blooming crocus prized for its red-orange stigmas, which are harvested as saffron, the world's most expensive spice. Unlike spring crocuses, its grass-like foliage emerges with or after the flowers in autumn and persists through winter.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant purple blooms in autumn, adding color and interest to gardens.

Source of saffron spice, valued for culinary and medicinal uses.

Supports pollinators during fall flowering period.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Tuck saffron crocus bulbs 4 inches deep in well-draining soil.
Plant bulbs in late summer or early fall for autumn bloom.
Water sparingly until shoots emerge in fall.
Mist the soil lightly during active growth in fall.
Allow foliage to die back naturally after blooming to strengthen bulbs.
Mulch lightly to protect from winter cold.

Pro Tip

Plant bulbs in a sunny, well-drained spot for best flowering results.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water moderately during active growth 🌱
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early fall
Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition

Don't

Overwater to prevent bulb rot ❌
Avoid planting in heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
Don't disturb bulbs once planted

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Harvest
Plant
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Autumn flowering border with vibrant saffron bloomsDry, Mediterranean-style herb gardenRock garden accent with colorful spring display

Companion Plants

Tulips Daffodils Hyacinths Alliums Crocus chrysanthus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Saffron Crocus questions

What zones can Saffron Crocus grow in?

Saffron Crocus is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Saffron Crocus deer resistant?

Yes — Saffron Crocus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Saffron Crocus bloom?

Saffron Crocus typically blooms in fall through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Saffron Crocus need full sun?

Saffron Crocus does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Saffron Crocus drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Saffron Crocus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.