Saffron

Growing Saffron: Plant Snapshot (Crocus sativus)

Family:                                    Iridaceae

Annual or Perennial?            Perennial

Recommended varieties:     Saffron crocus

Cold tolerance:                     Hardy - Will survive hard frosts and can be planted 2 to 3 weeks                                                              before the average date of the last 32 degree F (0 degree C)                                                                      temperature in spring.

Required Sun:                  Full sun (at least 6 hours each day)

Planting depth:                    3 inches ( 7 cm)

Spacing in rows:                 2 to 3 inches apart (5 to 7 cm)

Germination soil temperature: not applicable

Days to germination:         8 to 12 days