Autumn Crocus
Also known as: Colchicum autumnale · Meadow Saffron · Naked Lady
Deadly poisonous
When & where
Germination
Spacing & depth
How to plant
Plant corms in late summer while dormant. Flowers appear in fall without leaves; foliage emerges in spring. Divide clumps every few years after foliage dies back.
Grower's tip
ALL PARTS ARE POISONOUS. Not a true crocus — it is in Colchicaceae. Do not confuse with edible saffron crocus.
Good to know before you grow this
Parts of this plant are toxic to people and pets — don't eat it and keep it away from children and animals.
Soil preferences
Loose, well-drained soil — bulbs rot in wet feet.
6.0–7.0
Compost + bone meal or rock phosphate worked into the planting hole.
Watering
Water in at planting, then only during active growth. Let bulbs go dry during dormancy.
Deep watering at the base. Avoid overhead watering after leaves die back.
Overwatered: soft, mushy bulbs at harvest; basal plate rot. Underwatered: small bulbs, thin necks.
Either works — Top-water in-ground bulbs (garlic, onion, shallot, tulip, daffodil) at the soil surface — keep the crown mostly dry. Bottom-water forced bulbs and potted amaryllis. Stop watering entirely once foliage yellows and dies back.
Temperature tolerance
60–75°F (15–24°C) during growth
40–60°F (4–15°C)
Hardneck garlic, shallots, and daffodils need a cold winter to bulb properly. Tender bulbs (dahlia, gladiolus) must be lifted in cold zones.
Container growing
Yes — great in containers
8+ in deep, wide enough to space bulbs 2–3× their diameter
Deep pot for tulips and daffodils; shallow bowls for crocus.
Detailed harvesting
Nothing here is harvested for the kitchen. Wear gloves for any cutting or deadheading, keep the sap off your skin and eyes, and wash your hands and tools afterwards.
Post-harvest storage & preservation
Do not dry, store or preserve any part of this plant near food. Bag prunings for the bin — never compost them where animals browse, and never burn them.
Culinary, medicinal & other uses
Ornamental only — this plant is poisonous and has no food, tea or home-remedy use. Grow it for looks, wear gloves, and keep it away from children, pets and livestock.
Medicinal or traditional uses are shared for interest only — this is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before using any plant medicinally.
Seed saving
Propagate by offset bulblets, not seed — bulbs mature much faster from a clove/bulb than from seed.
Not applicable when replanting clones. Cross-pollinated seed rarely comes true.
Save the biggest, firmest bulbs each year and replant. Over generations you build a locally-adapted strain.
Your zone's planting calendar
Pick your USDA hardiness zone and we'll estimate the key dates for autumn crocus in your area. These are regional averages — always check your own last-frost forecast before sowing.
My Autumn Crocus notes
Autumn Crocus seeds on hand
Track packets and loose seeds you already have. Private to your account.
Par level — leave at 0 for no alert. Anything below par shows on Seed Starting and your shopping list.
Order more seeds
Running low? Reorder from one of these seed stores.
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