How to Grow and Care for Saffron Crocus for Stunning Fall Color

Common Name	Saffron Crocus
Botanical Name	Crocus sativus
Family	Iridaceae
Plant Type	Bulb
Mature Size	4–6 in. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full, partial
Soil Type	Rich, well-drained
Soil pH	Neutral to slightly alkaline
Bloom Time	October to November
Flower Color	Violet to lavender
Hardiness Zones	6-9 (USDA)
Native Areas	Eastern Mediterranean
Toxicity	Mildly toxic to pets

Saffron Crocus Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a saffron crocus.

• Plant in late summer or early fall in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Place the corm in an area that receives full sun.
• Take care not to overwater, but do give the flowers a boost of fertilizer after planting.
• Overwinter the corms inside if your region regularly sees temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit

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Light

Full, bright autumn sun is necessary for saffron crocus’ vibrant violet blooms. If you’re planting indoors, place in a sunny window with direct sunlight.

Soil

Saffron crocus does best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, preferably with neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

Water

Water saffron crocus immediately after planting, but then take care not to overwater throughout the rest of the season. A half inch of water weekly should be plenty, and overwatering can lead to root rot. Do not water during the rest of the year.

Temperature and Humidity

Saffron crocus is a fall flower that prefers temperatures that are not too hot and not too cold, which is why it does best in zones 6 through 9. If temperatures dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s best to overwinter the corms indoors. Humid weather will also negatively impact saffron crocus.

Fertilizer

Saffron crocus does best in soil that’s rich in organic matter, so it benefits from bone meal fertilizer shortly after planting. You can also amend the soil with NPK fertilizer in the spring.

Propagating Saffron Crocus

Typically, a saffron crocus corm is productive for four to five years. During that lifespan, it continues to reproduce underground, giving you more plants each year. After five years, you can dig up the corms—which should now number more than you initially planted. Divide the corms to either spread out and replant in the same area or plant in a new area.

How to Grow Saffron Crocus From Corms

Saffron crocus corms should be planted in late summer or early fall, giving the plants enough time before the October or November bloom season. Plant them three inches deep and three inches apart in a location with full sun and well-draining soil.

Cover each corm with soil and a thin layer of mulch. You’ll have blooms in just six to eight weeks.

Potting and Repotting Saffron Crocus

Saffron crocus can be grown in pots, but that’s generally only done when growing the flowers indoors. You can plant corms two to three inches deep in a container with well-draining potting mix. Make sure each corm has an area of at least three inches.

With adequate water and full sun, you’ll have blooms in six to eight weeks. Remove the corms after the plants have bloomed and overwinter them or plant them in your garden, depending on your region.

Overwintering Saffron Crocus

If you live in zones 6 through 9, you can overwinter the saffron crocus corms in the ground, and they’ll pop up the next year. However, if you live in a region that’s colder than zone 6, you’ll need to dig up the corms and overwinter them indoors in a space that’s 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases 

While saffron crocus is generally an easygoing plant, it does have some enemies in the garden. Furry friends, including squirrels and chipmunks will try to feast on the sprouts. During the winter, moles and voles will go after the corms.

Additionally, there is a saffron mite that will feed on corms. Planting corms deep into the soil—at least five inches—can prevent the mite from reaching them.

How to Get Saffron Crocus to Bloom

Saffron crocus has cheerful purple blooms that pop up in mid to late fall. The blooms will typically last about two to three weeks and, as the blooms remain on the plant, the signature red stigma will grow longer. They will bloom once and that’s it for the season—no amount of deadheading will give you a second bloom.

Bloom Months

Saffron crocus typically blooms between October and November, and adds vibrant violet color to your fall garden. If the corms are properly overwintered, you’ll have blooms year after year.

What Do Saffron Crocus Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Saffron crocus flowers have a sweet fragrance that is subtly reminiscent of honey. The brilliant purple blooms have the classic golden stamen but there’s also a vibrant red stigma—that’s what you know as the spice saffron.

How to Encourage More Blooms

While you’ll only get a few flowers per plant, you can encourage those blooms to pop by making sure your saffron crocus is planted in well-draining, rich soil.

Common Problems With Saffron Crocus

While saffron crocus is a surprisingly easy to grow flower despite its expensive reputation, it does have a few problems that can pop up. Thankfully, these are mostly avoidable.

Root Rot

Root rot is often caused by overwatering, and it can cause the plant to wilt and die back. You can avoid this by making sure the plants are in well-draining soil and not watering during dormant periods.

Corm Rot

Corm rot is when the corm of a plant begins to decay. It’s typically caused by bacteria or fungus in the soil, and it will cause drooping and yellowing of the saffron crocus shoots. All infected plants should be discarded since corm rot can spread to healthy plants.