Crocus serotinus
Family: Iridaceae
What it is like
Crocus serotinus is a CORM growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from November to May, in flower from November to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, butterflies. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Stony slopes in scrub and open pine woods.
Southern Europe to Northern Africa and Western Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The flowers are used as a saffron substitute in flavouring food and colouring it yellow.
Colouring: edible dyes
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The yellow dye obtained from the stigmas yields a yellow dye, it is a saffron substitute.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils, conditions and positions. Plants grow well in a peaty soil in a bulb frame and should succeed outdoors in a sandy peaty soil. The subspecies C. serotinus austriacus can be naturalized in grass or beneath deep rooting trees on light well-drained soils. Plants tend to move considerably from their original planting place because of their means of vegetative reproduction, it is therefore wise not to grow different species in close proximity. Any planting out is best done in late spring or early summer. Mice are very fond of the corms of this species. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed. The flowers are only open during the day time, closing at night.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light sandy soil in pots in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown in a cold frame in early spring. Sow thinly because the seed usually germinates freely, within 1 - 6 months at 18°c. Unless the seed has been sown too thickly, do not transplant the seedlings in their first year of growth, but give them regular liquid feeds to make sure they do not become deficient. Divide the small bulbs once the plants have died down, planting 2 - 3 bulbs per 8cm pot. Grow them on for another 2 years in a greenhouse or frame and plant them out into their permanent positions when dormant in late summer. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed. Division f the clumps after the leaves die down in spring. The bulbs can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Corm
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist