Giant meadow saffron 'Album' Colchicum speciosum 'Album'

Water

The Autumn Crocus should be watered sparingly during its growing season, typically in late summer and early fall, with a reduction in watering once the leaves die back. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings is recommended. When in active growth, watering every 7-14 days with about 16-32 ounces of water per session is usually sufficient, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can cause bulb rot. After the foliage has died back, watering should be reduced significantly to prevent the bulb from rotting during its dormant period.

Light

Autumn Crocus thrives in conditions where it can receive partial to full sunlight. It's best planted in spots where it can enjoy the morning sun but is protected from the harsh afternoon light, as too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves and flowers. It is ideally situated in dappled shade underneath deciduous trees or on the east or north side of buildings where it can receive bright indirect light.

Temperature

Autumn Crocus prefers moderate temperatures and performs well in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8, which dictate a minimum winter temperature range of 30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive temperatures down to around -10 degrees Fahrenheit, but ideally, it should be grown in an environment where the temperature remains between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during its bloom period in the fall.

Pruning

Autumn Crocus requires minimal pruning. Once the blooms have faded, you can cut back the flower stalks, but leave the foliage in place until it yellows and dies back naturally, as this helps the bulb store energy for the next growing season. Remove dead foliage in late spring or early summer. Pruning should be done annually, only when necessary, to maintain plant health.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Autumn crocus 'Album' thrives in a well-draining soil mix with added organic matter and a pH range of 6.0-7.0. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand is ideal to ensure good drainage yet retain adequate moisture.

Repotting

Autumn crocus 'Album' typically does not need frequent repotting. It can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container.

Humidity & Misting

Autumn crocus 'Album' prefers moderate humidity but is quite tolerant of varying humidity levels, focusing more on proper soil moisture balance.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Autumn crocus 'Album' in bright, indirect light indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in part shade with well-draining soil outdoors.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Colchicum speciosum 'Album', commonly known as White Autumn Crocus, starts its life cycle through the germination of its seeds in the soil, leading to the establishment of a corm, a type of bulb-like underground storage organ. The plant remains dormant over the winter, conserving energy in the corm. In the spring, foliage emerges, photosynthesizes, and stores energy before dying back in early summer. The corm remains dormant through the summer, and in autumn, without any leaves, it produces white, goblet-shaped flowers directly from the corm. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which disperses to give rise to new plants. The cycle repeats as the corm enters dormancy again in the winter, completing one full year of its life cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late summer to early fall

• The most popular method of propagation for the plant known as Autumn Crocus 'Album' (Colchicum speciosum 'Album') is through dividing its corms. This is typically done in the summer when the plant is dormant. To propagate, carefully lift the clump of corms out of the ground and gently separate them, making sure each division has at least one growth point. Replant the corms immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 centimeters) and about 6 inches (15 centimeters) apart, in well-drained soil. Corm division is advantageous because it maintains the genetic consistency of the plant and allows for rapid increase in numbers.