Cilician meadow saffron (Colchicum cilicicum) is a bulbous (or similar) plant that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Cilician meadow saffron (Colchicum cilicicum).
This plant is commonly known as Cilician meadow saffron.
This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: Cilician meadow saffron
Scientific name: Colchicum cilicicum
Plant type: Bulbs
Habit: Clump-forming
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance, Wall-side Borders
Other characteristics: Plants for pollinators
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Cilician meadow saffron (Colchicum cilicicum) – Averater, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bulbous plants are found all over the world in habitats as diverse as woods, meadows, riverbanks, rocky hills and mountains.
There are bulbs suitable for all types of garden design.
Most have their own limited flowering season, but with careful planning it is possible to combine this period of interest with the other plants in the garden.
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Cilician meadow saffron (Colchicum cilicicum), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Cilician meadow saffron (Colchicum cilicicum) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Colchicum cilicicum likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Cilician meadow saffron (Colchicum cilicicum) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Cilician meadow saffron (Colchicum cilicicum) – Meneerke bloem, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
