Ships in SUMMER

Saffron Crocus

Crocus sativus

$10.99
$10.99 $0.00
per Bag of 12
Sale |
ZONES  6-10 | Good to grow! Zone
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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.

Saffron Crocus

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Description

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.  

Planting & Care

Growing Saffron Crocus: Basic Planting Steps

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

Shipping

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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 fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-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 at (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.

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key features

Advantages
  • Deer Resistant
  • Easy To Grow
  • Naturalizes
  • Cut Flowers
  • Fragrant
  • Mass Plantings
  • Container Planting
  • Small Spaces
  • Rock Gardens
Light Requirements
  • Full Sun
  • Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
Bloom Time
Mid to late fall

Additional information

Planting Time
  • Fall
Soil Moisture
  • Waterwise
  • Average
Soil Type
  • Average Soil
  • Sandy Soil
  • Well-Drained Soil
Mature Height
4" tall
Bulb Spacing
12 bulbs per sq. ft.
Flower Bulb Size
9 cm
Planting Depth
Plant 2-4" deep
Growing Zones
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9
  • Zone 10
Ideal Region
  • Northeast
  • Southeast
  • Midwest
  • West
  • Southwest
  • Pacific Northwest
  • Suitable Above 7000 ft
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
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