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Crocus sativus (Saffron Crocus) blooms in autumn with lovely lilac petals enclosing three deep orange-red stigmas per flower. These are the source of what we know of as saffron, the world’s most expensive spice. Not only are these lovely crocuses a source of visual candy in the fall, but you can harvest the spice yourself and enjoy them in recipes throughout the year. Plant your saffron Crocus bulbs as soon as they arrive in late summer. They will sprout and grow in about 6-10 weeks (sometimes in as little as 4-6 weeks), putting on a colorful fall display. If there is danger of frost in your area, plant in containers that can be brought indoors.
Zones
6 - 10
Advantages
Multiplies / Naturalizes
Easy To Grow
Good For Containers
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
Mature Spread
4" tall
Bulb Spacing
12 bulbs per sq. ft.
Bloom Time
Mid to late fall
Shipping Details
Shipping begins the week of August 7th, 2023 Learn More…
Item Package Size
Bag of 12
SKU
HC008528
USDA Hardiness Planting Zones
To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low
temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.
If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will
survive the winter temperatures in your area.
If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack
of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).
Crocus sativus (Saffron Crocus) brightens up fall with soft lilac-violet flowers. Find a sunny, well-drained spot and plant them in a group as soon as you receive them in late August or September. If there is danger of frost in your area, plant in containers that can be brought indoors.
They will return the favor by sprouting quickly and showing off their pretty flowers. Inside the petals, you will find the deep orange-red stigmas (three per flower). This is the famed saffron spice. To harvest it for cooking, simply wait until your flowers are in full bloom on a sunny day. Pluck the stigmas with your fingers or tweezers and then gently dry them on a paper towel in a warm, dry place. Store them in an airtight container and the next time a recipe calls for saffron – voila!
Read our Growing Saffron Crocus article for more information on planting and harvesting Saffron Crocus.
More Information
SKU
HC008528
Common Name
Saffron Crocus
Botanical Name
Crocus sativus
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
Flower Color
Purple
Mature Height
4" tall
Bulb Spacing
12 bulbs per sq. ft.
Flower Bulb Size
9 cm
Planting Depth
Plant 2-4" deep
Bloom Time
Mid to late fall
Advantages
Multiplies / Naturalizes, Easy To Grow, Good For Containers
Step 1: Plant bulbs as soon as possible after receiving them.
Step 2: Decide on a planting style:
A: Plant crocus bulbs close together to form a cluster, this technique creates a full showy colorful display. Space 12 bulbs per square foot.
B: For a more natural look, plant crocus bulbs speckled throughout a garden, or under trees.
C: Plant in a container with well-draining soil.
Step 3: To plant, dig a hole 2-4” deep for each bulb. Plant bulb pointy side up. If the crocus bulbs are being planted in poor soil conditions, add a layer of organic compost, bone meal or Yum Yum Mix around the crocus bulbs. Back-fill with soil and water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Read our Growing Saffron Crocus article for more information on planting and harvesting Saffron Crocus
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
Zone
Shipping Status
Zone 2
Shipping begins the week of August 7th, 2023
Zone 3
Shipping begins the week of August 7th, 2023
Zone 4
Shipping begins the week of August 7th, 2023
Zone 5
Shipping begins the week of August 7th, 2023
Zone 6
Shipping begins the week of August 14th, 2023
Zone 7
Shipping begins the week of August 14th, 2023
Zone 8
Shipping begins the week of August 14th, 2023
Zone 9
Shipping begins the week of August 21st, 2023
Zone 10
Shipping begins the week of August 21st, 2023
As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat. The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.
Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.
Shipping Rates
Our shipping rates are calculated based on our actual average shipping costs. We do not seek to profit from shipping fees, so rest assured that our shipping rates reflect an average of what it costs to get our guaranteed products safely to your door.
US Shipping Charges
Merchandise Total
Shipping Charges
Up to $19.99
$8.99
$20 to $34.99
$10.99
$35 to $49.99
$12.99
$50 to $74.99
$14.99
$75 to $99.99
$16.99
$100 and Over
$18.99
Canadian Shipping Charges
Merchandise
Shipping Charges
Up to $24.99
$14.95
$25 to $49.99
$19.95
$50 to $74.99
$24.95
$75 to $99.99
$29.95
$100 and Over
$39.95
We charge one low flat rate for shipping our products even if your order requires multiple shipments. If you have any questions, please call us at (800) 925-9387.
 blooms in autumn with lovely lilac petals enclosing three deep orange-red stigmas per flower. These are the source of what we know of as saffron, the world’s most expensive spice. Not only are these lovely crocuses a source of visual candy in the fall, but you can harvest the spice yourself and enjoy them in recipes throughout the year. Plant your saffron Crocus bulbs as soon as they arrive in late summer. They will sprout and grow in about 6-10 weeks (sometimes in as little as 4-6 weeks), putting on a colorful fall display. If there is danger of frost in your area, plant in containers that can be brought indoors.)
