Saffron Crocus 'Sativus' - 10 Bulbs

• Flowers in spring
• Perfect for naturalising
• Gorgeous lilac flowers veined with deep purple
• Fully established spread: 5cm
• Planting depth: 10cm

Crocus sativus flowers in autumn, producing sensational lilac flowers veined with deep purple. This beautiful crocus is the source for saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, made from the deep red stigmas at the centre of each flower. Plant it in drifts through a lawn or at the front of a border for a spectacular display in autumn.

How you will receive your bulbs:

Selected by our team of experts and sent from our nursery, you will receive these autumn-flowering bulbs in late summer and early autumn in a breathable mesh bag. This is to keep the bulbs together in a pack that is nice and airy – perfect to keep the bulbs healthy while in transit.

Can’t plant straight away?

Keep your bulbs in a cool, light, and dry place and preferably hanging on a hook so that air can get to the bulbs at all angles. Ideally, you should aim to plant your bulbs within a week of receiving them, but if this is not possible, store them in a cool, dark place until you are ready to plant them.

Planting tips and hints:

Planting in the ground: You can plant your Crocus sativus bulbs in August or September. Dig a hole with a trowel or a bulb planter approximately 10cm deep. Plant bulbs approximately 7.5cm apart. Place a thin layer of quality bulb compost and potting grit in the hole first. Next place the bulb in the hole with the tip facing upwards, add another layer of bulb compost then fill the hole and compact the soil gently. Water in to moisten the soil.

Planting in containers: Place a layer of stones or gravel at the bottom of a large container in order to aid drainage. Fill the container with bulb compost mixed with potting grit. Plant the bulbs in the compost about 4cm deep and 1-2cm apart. Water just enough to settle the soil, then place the container in a sheltered place over autumn and winter before moving into a sunny place when the shoots stat to show.

Aftercare: Allow crocus leaves to die back naturally before cutting them. If you are naturalizing crocuses in a lawn, leave that part of the lawn uncut until the flowers have died and the leaves have turned yellow. Over time, crocuses will multiply and spread. To encourage this, dig up large clumps of crocuses in autumn, divide and replant them.

Click here to view our full crocus bulb growing guide.

*Planting and flowering months below are subject to seasonal weather conditions.