Meadow Saffron Seeds – Colchicum autumnale, Autumn Crocus

Add a soft flush of lavender-pink color to the autumn garden with meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale), also known as autumn crocus. Its flowers rise on bare stalks as many summer plants begin to fade, making it an eye-catching accent among low ground covers and in naturalistic garden pockets.

Important Safety Information

Poisonous plant: all parts, including the seeds, are toxic if ingested. This is an ornamental plant only. Despite the common name meadow saffron, it is not culinary saffron (Crocus sativus) and must never be used as a spice, food, tea, or home remedy. Keep seeds and plants away from children, pets, and livestock. Wear gloves when handling and wash hands afterward.

Plant Highlights

• Botanical name: Colchicum autumnale.
• Common names: Meadow saffron and autumn crocus.
• Flower color: Lavender-pink to lilac-pink.
• Flowering season: Early autumn, depending on local conditions.
• Life cycle: Perennial with seasonal dormancy.
• Garden use: Ornamental pockets among low ground covers and in meadow-style or woodland-edge plantings, away from edible crops and grazing areas.

What You Receive

Choose a pack of 10, 25, or 100 seeds. This listing is for seeds, not corms, bulbs, or live flowering plants. Growing from seed requires patience, and plants need time to mature before flowering.

Sowing Outdoors

Sow in pots of seed-starting compost and cover with approximately 5 mm (about ¼ inch) of compost or fine grit. Label clearly with the plant name and a poisonous-plant warning. Keep pots in a cool, well-lit outdoor location with good drainage, maintaining moisture without waterlogging.

Allow the seeds to experience natural seasonal temperature changes. Germination can be slow and irregular and may follow winter chilling; do not discard pots simply because seedlings have not appeared quickly. Avoid artificial heat intended for quick-germinating annuals.

Growing On

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, move them carefully into individual small pots. Grow them on until they are well established before transplanting to their final position. Keep containers clearly labeled and separate from edible seedlings.

Understanding Seasonal Growth

Leaves develop in spring and yellow as the plant moves into summer dormancy. Flowers appear on bare stalks in autumn. Allow foliage to fade naturally rather than cutting it while still green. Low-growing companion plants can soften the appearance of fading foliage and help frame the autumn flowers.