Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Iridaceae
Botanical Name
Crocus sativus
Plant Common Name
Saffron Crocus
General Description
A modest flower is the source for the world's most expensive spice: saffron. Although its precise origin is obscure, saffron crocus is believed to be an ancient selection of the Greek native Crocus cartwrightianus.
A small herbaceous perennial that grows from a bulb-like storage organ known as a corm, saffron crocus sends up one to five pale to medium lilac-purple flowers in mid- to late fall. But it is mainly grown for the flavorful, three-branched, orange-red style that ornaments each flower's center. The grass-like, gray-green foliage appears with the flowers.
The saffron is harvested immediately after the flowers open. The long style branches are severed, gathered, and dried. The saffron can then be used (as it has for millenia) in culinary masterpieces, or to dye your royal cape or robe.
Grow saffron crocus in full sun in rich, well-drained soil. The corms flower best if planted at a depth of several times their height. Shallowly planted corms often divide into many small, non-flowering corms after the first year's bloom. Dig and replant the corms in late summer every 3 or 4 years. Plants are sterile and so cannot be propagated by seed. Saffron crocus can be grown as an annual in containers and planters, both for its spice and as a curiosity. Use the spice in baked goods or hot dishes, such as paella.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22
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Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
2"-4" / 5.1cm - 10.2cm
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Width
2"-4" / 5.1cm - 10.2cm
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Bloom Time
Fall
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Native To
Mediterranean
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Lavender
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edible, Feature Plant, Herb / Vegetable, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
