orange yellow crocuses ( Crocus sativus ) erupt into bloom in fall , providing a abbreviated twinkling of vividness before the glumness of winter arrives . They are somewhat grumpy about their spring up conditions , which makes them hard to develop indoors . Providing the right-hand conditions both above and below the soil line will help increase the likeliness of success , butsome saffron crocus cormsmay fail to grow even under ideal conditions .
Climate and Temperature
Saffron crocus uprise in the Mediterranean region and will grow out of doors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 6 to 8 . They do not need a cold full stop , orvernalization , to set prime and instead bank on a six - calendar week quick spell during their late summer dormant period . During quiescence , temperature must bide above 70 academic degree Fahrenheitto prompt foliage production and blooming .
Tip
saffron crocus crocuses seem above - ground only in brief from midsummer ( when their grassy foliage sprouts ) to fall ( when their showy violet bloom bloom ) .
Container and Soil
Saffron crocuses needplenty of spaceand territory . Its corm are typically plant 2 to 4 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches aside . Plant item-by-item corms in 6 - inch - wide of the mark and 8 - inch - deep Mary Jane , or set up to five corms in a hybridization formation in a 12 - column inch - wide , 8 - inch - thick pot . Whatever size sens , make trusted it has at least two drainage holes at the basebecause saffron crocuses will quick break in wet soil .
Fill the bottom half of the mountain with a gritty , fast - drain soil mixing such as adequate parts potting soil , milled peat and coarse gumption . Arrange corm on the grunge with the beginning end down and the pointed end facing up , and nuzzle them onto the Earth’s surface . Cover them with a 2 - column inch - thick bed of soil .
habituate a terracotta or other glassless remains pot when growing saffron crocus crocuses .
Growing Conditions
Spring is broadly the best time to start autumn - flower light bulb such as saffron crocuses , although most commercially useable bulb should be planted in late summer as they become available . Once potted , direct them within 1 to 2 invertebrate foot of an unshaded south- or westward - facing windowpane withat least eight to 10 hours of verbatim lighteach day , preferably more .
Temperatures above 70 degrees are best for growth . Avoid temperature in surplusage of 80 degree because they encourage degenerate growth , which results in floppy , spindly leafage . Temperatures below 70 will not mail the corm into dormancy , which will prevent blooming in autumn . In cool climates , it may be necessary to place the pot on a warming roll or to cover the pot with a glass cloche to hold in heat . depart the cloche off for a few hour after irrigate to limit contraction inwardly .
Care Basics
Crocus sativus crocuses need very short upkeep throughout the year . Keep the territory dry during the summertime when they are abeyant , then start out watering in late summertime or early autumn when their first sprouts appear . Flood the soil and rent it dry out out completely before water again .
Fertilizer is not typically necessary for potted saffron crocuses because it can provide too much nitrogen , which will promote foliage growth over inflorescence . Simply repot the corms into fresh grease the following spring after the flowers and foliage die back and put them back in their original position . Discontinue lachrymation after midsummerto permit the corms go sleeping .
During the winter , move the pot in a nerveless room with bright light to lease the corms rest . * * keep up temperatures between 40 and 50 degree F. * * Water sparingly , barely dampen the soil when it feels nearly juiceless beneath the surface .
Saffron crocuses have a lifespan of up to 10 to 15 years , during which clip they produce extra corm that can be transfer and used to grow new industrial plant .
Harvest Tips
Saffron is ready to harvest once the cup - form purple flowers open up to reveal their tangerine - orange stigmas , which make up the spice called orange yellow . soak off the little stigmas with a pair of unobjectionable tweezers and place them in an airtight container for storage . utilise them meagrely to color and feel cooking .
Warning
Do not confuse Crocus sativus with the autumn crocus ( Colchicum autumnale , USDA zones 4 to 8) , which blooms at the same time and resembles saffron crocus but is extremely toxic if eaten .
