AUTUMN CROCUS, MEADOW SAFFRON, NAKED LADY
Colchicum autumnale
SKU: 1150-010
Description
The images cannot described just how HUGE this crocus is! Fall crocus displays it's giant flower in the fall, without any foliage on the plants! Due to this, they are sometimes called 'Naked Ladies". In spring, shiny, strap-like, thick foliage emerges. The foliage goes dormant in summer (similar to other spring bulbs) making way for the mass of flowers in the fall. These plants multiply well, and form large drifts.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: Flowers 10" tall, foliage 14" tall
Location: Sun or shade
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Seeds per pack: 10
Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous. Despite the vernacular name of "meadow saffron," this plant is not the source of saffron.
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature (20-22 °C, 68-72 °F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and early May, is in a cold frame or cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
Description
The images cannot described just how HUGE this crocus is! Fall crocus displays it's giant flower in the fall, without any foliage on the plants! Due to this, they are sometimes called 'Naked Ladies". In spring, shiny, strap-like, thick foliage emerges. The foliage goes dormant in summer (similar to other spring bulbs) making way for the mass of flowers in the fall. These plants multiply well, and form large drifts.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: Flowers 10" tall, foliage 14" tall
Location: Sun or shade
Hardiness zones: 4-9
Seeds per pack: 10
Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous. Despite the vernacular name of "meadow saffron," this plant is not the source of saffron.
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold-moist stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature (20-22 °C, 68-72 °F) for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and early May, is in a cold frame or cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
