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CROCUS
Crocus is the generic name of hardy, corm-forming herbs belonging to the iris family, Iridaceae. The genus comprises about 80 species native to the Mediterranean region and to Southwest Asia. They are grown primarily as ornamentals for their beautiful, usually single flowers of brilliant color; however, the stigmas, or pollen-receiving parts, of the flowers of Crocus sativus produce saffron, an important orangy colorant and flavoring. Crocuses may be divided into two main groups; spring-flowering and fall-flowering. Because their bright-colored flowers--ranging from pure yellow through lavender and blue to white--appear early in spring before most other flowers, the spring crocuses are the most popular. The bulblike corms of autumn-flowering crocuses should be planted during July and August. Spring-flowering corms should be planted not later than November. The corms are set 8 to 10 cm (about 3 to 4 in) deep in well-drained soil and are dug up and replanted every 3 to 4 years, after the leaves die down.
