Solve the Autumn Crocus Confusion

Solve the Autumn Crocus Confusion

The Truth About Autumn Crocus: Saffron or Poison?

As fall approaches, many gardeners start thinking about planting bulbs for beautiful blooms in the coming seasons. However, when it comes to Autumn Crocus, things can get a little confusing—even universities sometimes mix them up! The term "Autumn Crocus" is often used interchangeably for two different plants: the Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus), which produces the highly prized saffron spice, and Colchicum autumnale, which is extremely poisonous.

If you're growing crocus in your garden, it's crucial to know the difference—especially if you plan on harvesting saffron for culinary use. Eating the wrong one can lead to serious health risks, so let’s clarify which crocus is safe and which is not.

How to Identify the Saffron Crocus vs. Poisonous Colchicum

To keep your garden both beautiful and safe, let’s break down the key differences between these two autumn-blooming flowers:

Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus)

crocus sativus autumn crocus

Produces saffron—the prized spice collected from the bright red-orange stamens.
Flowers in fall but belongs to the Iridaceae family (true crocus).
Small blooms with purple petals and deep orange-red stigmas.
Thin, grassy leaves that emerge in the fall or spring.
Safe to grow and harvest for culinary use.

Poisonous Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)

colchicum autumnale

NOT a true crocus—it's actually a member of the Liliaceae family.
Contains colchicine, a toxic compound that can be fatal if ingested.
Larger blooms compared to the Saffron Crocus, often lilac or pale purple.
Leaves appear in spring but die back before flowers emerge in autumn.
DO NOT harvest or consume any part of this plant.

Spring Crocus (Crocus vernus)

dutch crocus

🌷 Blooms in early spring, unlike the previous two, and comes in a variety of colors.
🌷 Common in gardens but does not produce saffron.
🌷 Completely safe, but only decorative.

Tips for Growing Saffron Crocus Safely

If you're interested in harvesting your own saffron, follow these tips to ensure you're growing the correct crocus and staying safe:

  • Buy bulbs (corms) from reputable sources to ensure you're planting the true Crocus sativus.
  • Label your plants clearly to avoid confusion with toxic varieties.
  • Plant saffron crocus in full sun in well-draining soil—avoid shady, wet areas.
  • Keep poisonous Colchicum away from edible garden beds to prevent accidental ingestion.
  • Harvest saffron only from flowers you planted yourself to avoid any mix-ups.

Why Grow Saffron Crocus?

The Saffron Crocus is not only beautiful but also highly valuable. Saffron, known as the "red gold" of spices, is one of the most expensive spices in the world due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting it. Each crocus flower produces only three saffron threads, so it takes hundreds of flowers to yield even a small amount of the spice.

Belonging to the iris family, the species crocus Crocus sativus is a fall-blooming variety that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Unlike spring-flowering crocuses, saffron crocus bulbs—or more accurately, crocus corms—are planted in late summer and bloom in the fall. These early blooming flowers are low-growing, reaching just 4 to 6 inches tall, with delicate cup-shaped petals in shades of purple. The flowers close at night and open again in the morning to reveal the vibrant red stigmas, which are carefully harvested for saffron.

Plant saffron crocus corms about 3 to 4 inches deep in well-draining soil, spacing them a few inches apart to allow for natural clumping over time. With proper growing and caring techniques, saffron crocuses will multiply and provide years of harvests. If you're interested in other crocus varieties, the Bowles White crocus, a striking white cultivar, is another excellent addition to any garden.

The name “crocus” comes from Middle English, derived from Latin and Greek origins, reflecting the long history of this treasured plant. Whether you're growing saffron for culinary use or simply to enjoy its ornamental beauty, cultivating your own saffron crocus is a rewarding endeavor.

Conclusion

Whether you're planting crocus for ornamental beauty or to harvest your own homegrown saffron, it's essential to know exactly what you're growing. Saffron Crocus is safe and edible, while Colchicum is toxic—so always verify your bulbs before planting. With a little knowledge and careful planning, you can enjoy stunning autumn blooms while safely producing your own organic saffron spice. Happy gardening! 

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8 comments

Teri, you should not have to give them a cold treatment before planting.

Suzanne

I just purchased some of these bulbs and received them. Do you have to give them a ‘winter’ in the refrigerator before planting them?
thanks

teri savage

Jean, you can always put some bird netting over the plants to keep the cats out of them.

Suzanne

Hi there,

I’ve just invested in 100 Crocus Sativus bulbs and 100 white crocus Jeanne D’Arc and only now reading online that these may be poisonous to my cats? Any suggestions as to where I can plant them?
With thanks, Jean

Jean Douglas-Laird

Pretty easy solution [ Only harvest the THREE LONG RED STYLES ] All other crocuses have white-yellow styles and/or less than three.

Saffron is gathered during Autumn from the long red stigma/styles of Crocus sativus, these are part of its female reproductive organs. Not from the stamens as is often said.

Callum

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