How to Plant Crocus Sativus

Also known as saffron crocus, Crocus sativus is the flower from which the culinary spice saffron is obtained. Crocus sativus is a fall-blooming corm, producing lovely purple flowers with red stigmas. It grows best in areas that receive from 15 to 18 inches of rain per year. From planting to flowering takes four to six weeks. Plant the Crocus sativus corm in October.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Hand shovel or bulb planter
• Bulb starter fertilizer

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Choose a sunny location in which to plant the Crocus sativus.

   • 2

     Amend the soil with a 3-inch layer of compost, mixed into the top 10 inches of soil.

   • 3

     Dig a 6-inch deep hole, and add bulb starter fertilizer at the rate suggested on the label.

   • 4

     Cover the fertilizer with 2 inches of soil.

   • 5

     Place the corm in the hole with the pointed end facing up. Cover it with soil, tamp lightly and water until the top 8 inches of soil is moist.