Botanical Name:
Crocus
Life Cycle:
Perennial bulb
Planting Time:
Spring or Fall, for blooms in 4-6 months.
Height:
3 to 6 inches
Exposure:
Full sun
Soil:
Poor to average, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Zones 3 to 9
Bloom Time:
Early spring or early fall
Flower:
Yellow, purple, lavender and white blooms
Foliage:
Green
Propagation:
Corms
Suggested Use:
Beds, borders and containers
Growing Hints:
Buy spring flowering crocus corms to plant in the fall (or vice versa). Plant in groups of a dozen or more for the best show. Plant them at a depth of 3 to 4 inches spaced about 3 inches apart.
Interesting Facts:
The small red parts in the center of each crocus sativa bloom are the source of saffron; the spice used to add delicate flavor to dishes or used to color food yellow. To save your own saffron: after your crocus blooms, remove and dry the red stigma from the flower and store in an airtight container.
Note: There are many varieties of crocus. Make sure you have the correct variety, Crocus Sativa, before you try using the stigmas for cooking. Some varieties of crocus are poisonous.
By Annie (Guest Post)
05/13/2008
Please, oh please, be sure that you have the right species of crocus if you are going to harvest the "saffron". Saffron crocuses are FALL-BLOOMING crocuses, and a very specific kind at that. Not all crocuses give edible saffron!
By Annie (Guest Post)
05/13/2008
Like ThriftyFun on Facebook
