Saffron Crocus in Zone 5a & 5b
Crocus sativus
Yes, saffron crocus grows in zones 5a and 5b. Plant it outside in Aug–Sep.
When to plant saffron crocus in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Window | Summer window |
|---|---|
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Aug–Sep |
| Estimated bloom | About a year after planting |
Spacing: 9 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-10 in.
Zone 5b dates sourced from www.uvm.edu.
Saffron crocus is the genuine source of culinary saffron, the world's most expensive spice by weight, grown here from fall-planted corms rather than seed.
How saffron crocus fits zone 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. Saffron crocus takes about a year from planting to first bloom, so it spans more than one growing season.
Saffron Crocus planting windows in every zone
Zone 5b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4bSummer window | Not usually | Aug–Sep | About a year after planting |
| 5a & 5bSummer window (your zone) | Not usually | Aug–Sep | About a year after planting |
| 6a & 6bSummer window | Not usually | Aug–Sep | About a year after planting |
| 7a & 7bSummer window | Not usually | Aug–Sep | About a year after planting |
| 8a & 8bSummer window | Not usually | Aug–Sep | About a year after planting |
Good companions
No well-established companions for saffron crocus.
Where to buy saffron crocus seeds
None of the seed suppliers we list carries saffron crocus seeds right now. A local garden center or a specialty seed house is the place to look.
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing saffron crocus" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 5b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Saffron Crocus in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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