How to Grow Crocus Sativus

Crocus sativus is commonly referred to as the saffron crocus. The small blooms produced on the plant are attractive and valuable; saffron, an expensive spice, is harvested from the stigmas. It takes a tremendous amount of the plant to harvest saffron commercially -- over 4000 stigmas for one ounce. Growing them in your home garden, however, can be a rewarding endeavor. Even if you do not harvest the saffron, the flowers make an attractive addition to any landscape. You'll need to purchase the corms (a bulb-like tuber) at a local garden supply store.

Corms
Garden tiller or hoe
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Choose firm, dry corms that are about the size of a large clove of garlic. Keep the dormant corms dry until you are ready to plant.
- 2
  Choose a location that receives full to partial sunlight; the saffron crocus needs several hours of sunlight each day. Rich, well-draining soil is a must; too much moisture will cause the corms to rot. If you do not have a suitable location in your yard, consider a raised bed.
- 3
  Prepare the planting location in the early fall, before the first frost. (Saffron crocus are winter hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, and will grow through the winter.) Till or hoe the planting area to loosen and turn the soil to a depth of about six inches.
- 4
  Dig a hole two to three inches deep for each individual corm. Set corms two to three inches apart, then cover with the dry soil. Pat lightly to secure. No need to water.
- 5
  Water only if the soil is extremely dry; add just enough water to dampen the soil. Add mulch if desired (especially in cooler climates) to help maintain soil temperature. You will see leaves during the first fall and winter. In spring, the plant will go dormant, with leaves dying down until fall. Expect to see blooms the first fall after planting.

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