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Bulbs For Autumn Planting
Bulbs For Autumn Planting
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Perennials
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Shop by Solution
Saffron Crocus 'sativus' (Crocus)
£6.69
Unit price perEstimated Delivery between August 18 and August 20.
This is no ordinary crocus; Crocus sativus is the legendary Saffron Crocus, the source of the world's most expensive spice. Unlike its spring-flowering cousins, this variety blooms in the autumn, producing beautiful, lilac-purple flowers with darker purple veins. The true treasure, however, lies within. Each flower contains three long, vivid crimson-red stigmas, which are the saffron threads. These must be carefully hand-picked and dried to be used as a spice for flavouring and colouring food. The grass-like foliage appears before or with the flowers and remains through the winter. Growing your own saffron is a rewarding experience, connecting you to an ancient culinary tradition. While each bulb produces only a few threads, planting a generous drift can yield a precious and delicious harvest.
Saffron Crocus 'sativus' (Crocus)
This is no ordinary crocus; Crocus sativus is the legendary Saffron Crocus, the source of the world's most expensive spice. Unlike its spring-flowering cousins, this variety blooms in the autumn, producing beautiful, lilac-purple flowers with darker purple veins. The true treasure, however, lies within. Each flower contains three long, vivid crimson-red stigmas, which are the saffron threads. These must be carefully hand-picked and dried to be used as a spice for flavouring and colouring food. The grass-like foliage appears before or with the flowers and remains through the winter. Growing your own saffron is a rewarding experience, connecting you to an ancient culinary tradition. While each bulb produces only a few threads, planting a generous drift can yield a precious and delicious harvest.
| Botanical name | Crocus sativus |
| Flower colour | Purple |
| Bulb size | 8/9 cm |
| Established height | 10-15 cm |
| Established spread | 5-8 cm |
| Plant spacing | 100-150 bulbs per m² |
| Leaf colour | Green |
| Habit | Clump-forming |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Hardiness | Fully hardy |
| Years to establish | 1st year |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Position | Sheltered |
| Suitable for | Borders, Pots, Herb gardens, Gravel gardens |
| Soil acidity | Any |
| Soil moisture | Well-drained |
| Soil type | Loam, Sandy |
| RHS Award (AGM) | No |
| Growing skill | Easy to grow |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Deer resistant | No |
Planting and Flowering Calendar
Key Features
Packed in paper
Packed peat-free
Great for Shade
Attracts wildlife
Low maintenance
Perfect for pots
The Finest Bulbs
We partner with elite growers to provide only top-size, professional-grade bulbs. Bigger bulbs mean stronger roots and more spectacular blooms.
A Greener Thumb
We are committed to a healthier planet, using sustainable growing practices and mindfully chosen, recyclable packaging.
An Unrivaled Selection
Discover an extensive collection of both timeless classics and rare, exclusive varieties to create a garden that is uniquely yours.
Our Bloom Guarantee
We stand behind our quality. From our expert planting guides to our customer service, we ensure your gardening success.
Kind Words from Our Gardeners
Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!
Careane Wallace
The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again
David P
I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!
Eleanor R
Somerset