Saffron crocus

Crocus sativus

Autumn-flowering corm whose dried red stigmas are the spice saffron.

Hardiness ratings

Saffron crocus hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 6–9 −23.3 °C to −1.1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H5 −15 °C to −10 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 6–8 −18 °C to −1 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 2–5 −10 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • The three red stigmas of each flower are hand-picked and dried as saffron
  • Needs a hot, dry summer dormancy and sharp drainage in a sunny spot
  • Each corm yields only a few flowers, so many are needed for a usable harvest

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Saffron crocus against your zones

Reference

Saffron crocus on Wikipedia