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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Crocus is a CORM growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from March to July, in flower from September to November, and the seeds ripen from March to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, butterflies.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

C. edulis.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Corm - cooked[89]. Used when the bulb is sprouting, it is prized as a vegetable[2].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Grows best on a gritty well-drained slope[42]. Plants succeed outdoors if they are given perfect drainage in a warm sunny position[200], otherwise they are better grown in a bulb frame[90]. Bulbs should be planted 5 - 7cm deep in the soil[79]. June is the best time to do this[245]. This species includes C. edulis, which is a synonym of C. cancellatus damascenus[42]. The corms are sold in local markets in Syria[89]. Plants tend to move considerably from their original planting place because of their means of vegetative reproduction, it is therefore wise not to grow different species in close proximity[1]. The flowers are only open during the day time, closing at night[245].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light sandy soil in pots in a cold frame[1]. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in early spring[1]. Sow thinly because the seed usually germinates freely[1], within 1 - 6 months at 18°c[164]. Unless the seed has been sown too thickly, do not transplant the seedlings in their first year of growth, but give them regular liquid feeds to make sure they do not become deficient. Divide the small bulbs once the plants have died down, planting 2 - 3 bulbs per 8cm pot. Grow them on for another 2 years in a greenhouse or frame and plant them out into their permanent positions when dormant in late summer[K]. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed[200]. Division of the clumps after the leaves die down in spring[1, 200]. The bulbs can be replanted direct into their permanent positions if required.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Azerbaijan EUROPE: Greece, North Macedonia

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Colchicum autumnale	Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron,	Bulb	0.2	6-9	M	LMH	SN	M	0	3	1
Crocus cancellatus		Corm	0.1	4-8		LM	N	M	1	0
Crocus kotschyanus		Corm	0.3	4-8		LM	N	DM	1	0
Crocus nudiflorus		Corm	0.2	4-8		LM	SN	DM	2	3	1
Crocus sativus	Saffron	Corm	0.1	5-9		LM	SN	DM	3	3	2
Crocus serotinus		Corm	0.1	5-9		LM	SN	DM	2	0	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Crocus - Herb.