Crocus sativus, commonly known as Saffron Crocus, is a deciduous perennial bulb thought to be originally native to Greece. It is renowned for its vibrant purple flowers that bloom in autumn and the valuable saffron spice derived from its red stigmas. The plant typically grows 10 to 30 cm in height and features a corm that stores nutrients and supports the leaves, bracts, bracteole, and flowering stalk underground, providing protection from harsh conditions.

The Saffron Crocus is highly valued for its culinary spice, saffron, which is harvested from the filaments within the flower. It is a prized plant in gardens for its unique flowering time in the fall and the exotic spice it produces. Gardeners often use it in rock gardens, borders, and as a container plant. For successful cultivation, plant corms 10 cm apart in a trough 10 cm deep. The corms multiply annually and can last 3–5 years. The Saffron Crocus requires full sun to part shade and well-drained soil with moderate organic content. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to corm rot, so careful water management is essential. While not common, the plant can be affected by corm rot and other fungal diseases if conditions are too damp.CC BY-SA 4.0