Harvesting True Saffron: Only from Fall Crocus

Don't Confuse Spring and Fall Crocus

Saffron comes exclusively from Crocus sativus, a fall-blooming species. Spring crocus (C. vernus, C. chrysanthus) produce no saffron. The harvested part is the red stigma (female organ), not stamens.

Critical Warning

Never confuse Crocus sativus with Colchicum autumnale ("Autumn Crocus")—it is highly toxic! Buy only labeled Crocus sativus corms.

Growing Conditions

Plant in well-drained soil (1:1 pea gravel and soil conditioner) with afternoon shade. Harvest stigmas when flowers open in September. Each corm yields only a few threads—saffron's cost reflects its labor-intensive harvest.