Saffron crocus Crocus sativus
Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Iridaceae family, native to Known only in cultivation; derived from Crocus cartwrightianus of Greece. It grows 10–25 cm (4–10 in) tall and 5–10 cm (2–4 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
Plan Saffron crocus in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Saffron crocus at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 cm (4–10 in) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 cm (2–4 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: stigmas (saffron spice) |
| Native to | Known only in cultivation; derived from Crocus cartwrightianus of Greece |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇳 India, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇲🇦 Morocco |
Is Saffron crocus toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Saffron is safe in culinary amounts. Do not confuse with autumn crocus (Colchicum), which is highly toxic.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Saffron crocus
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Saffron crocus
- How far apart should I plant Saffron crocus?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 cm (2–4 in).
- Does Saffron crocus need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Saffron crocus need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Saffron crocus?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Saffron crocus flower?
- From about October for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Saffron crocus poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Saffron is safe in culinary amounts. Do not confuse with autumn crocus (Colchicum), which is highly toxic.
- What grows well with Saffron crocus?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Saffron crocus. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers in autumn; each flower gives three red stigmas, and about 150,000 flowers make 1 kg of saffron. Sterile: grown from corms.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bearded iris Iris germanica
- Japanese iris Iris ensata
- Siberian iris Iris sibirica
- Dutch crocus Crocus vernus
- Gladiolus Gladiolus x hortulanus
- Freesia Freesia refracta hybrids
- Montbretia (crocosmia) Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora
- African iris Dietes grandiflora