💜 Crocus: Growing Guide
Crocus (Crocus sativus) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −15 to 24 °C (5–75 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Space plants about 8 cm (3.1 in) apart. Expect 90–120 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Crocus sativus |
|---|---|
| Category | Bulbs |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −15 to 24 °C (5–75 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 90–120 days |
| Sowing depth | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Height | 10–15 cm (3.9–5.9 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | |||||||||
| Continental | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Oceanic | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Harvest | Plant out |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Feb–Mar.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Apr.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Feb–Mar.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Nov · Harvest: Feb.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Nov · Harvest: May.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Mar.
Watering
Water about every 6 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Little water, hardy.
Growing tips
Source of the world's most expensive spice. About 150,000 flowers make 1 kg of saffron. Kozani and La Mancha.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Crocus: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Feb–Mar. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Apr. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Sep · Harvest: Feb–Mar.
Crocus: how often should I water it?
Water about every 6 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Little water, hardy.
Crocus: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 8 cm (3.1 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 8 cm (3.1 in).
Crocus: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 90–120 days.
Crocus: which plants grow well with it?
Tulip, Daffodil.
Plan your garden
Add Crocus to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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