Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
- Native to:
- Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine
Várkonyi Tibor
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Colchicaceae
- Genus:
- Colchicum
- Species:
- Colchicum autumnale
- USDA Symbol:
- COAU4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 25 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, lavender, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soil with organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification and may take several months to germinate. Often propagated by corm division rather than seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Expose to fluctuation outdoor winter temperatures including freezing for 3 months. Gradually increase light and temperature in the spring. * must have summer heat to germinate; may take 6 years to germinate; grow seedlings @ 4°C x 1 month