Crocus Sativus Culture

Propagation

• The propagation method for Crocus sativus plants, which are sterile, is division. In late summer, separate the cormlets, which form at the base of a plant's mother corm. Plant each cormlet 3 to 4 inches in the soil and 6 inches apart. The Washington State University Extension recommends separating the cormlets, which multiply quickly, every three or four years.

Site Requirements

• Crocus sativus prefers well-drained, alkaline soil in a sunny area. The soil can be gritty and infertile, but not constantly damp. Crocus sativus corms will rot in wet soil. According to the Washington State University Extension, this type of crocus grows well with as little as 6 or 7 inches of precipitation each year. During the hot summer months, water every two weeks and allow the soil to become dry between watering periods.

Time Frame

• Unlike many other crocuses which bloom in the spring, Crocus sativus blooms in the fall. The first leaves emerge in late winter or early spring. The leaves wither and the plant becomes dormant during the hot summer months. According to the Washington State University Extension, the stigmas are ready for harvest in early fall, when more leaves emerge and purplish flowers appear. Each flower lasts about one week, and the plant stops producing flowers after the first frost. Plants tend to produce fewer flowers after the first year.

Considerations

• Like other crocuses, Crocus sativus plants are susceptible to damage from animals and birds. Mice, squirrels and other small animals eat the corms, and birds eat the flowers. Heavy fertilization will encourage foliage growth but will discourage flower production. The University of California Cooperative Extension warns that Crocus sativus closely resembles poisonous Colchicum plants. Crocus sativus flowers have three stamens, or male parts, but Colchicum flowers have six.