Colchicum autumnale Autumn crocus (Colchicaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Colchicum autumnale
Autumn crocus
(1 Page of 5)

The Colchicum autumnale plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Colchicaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Autumn crocus.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Colchicum autumnale
Common Name:  Autumn crocus
Family:  Colchicaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  All parts of the plant, but especially the bulb[200], are poisonous[4, 7, 10, 19, 65]. They cause vomiting, violent purging, serious inflammation of the stomach and bowels, and death[232]. Handling the corms can cause skin allergies in some people[238].

Mature Height:  0.15   Mature Width:  0.15

Habitat:  Meadows and damp woodland clearings[1, 10, 13] on calcareous and neutral soils[17]. Extremely rare away from the Bristol Channel in Britain[7].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in early summer in a seed bed or a cold frame[1, 164]. Germination can be very slow, taking up to 18 months at 15°c[164]. It is best to sow the seed thinly so that it is not necessary to transplant the seedlings for their first year of growth. Apply a liquid fertilizer during their first summer, however, to ensure they get sufficient nourishment. Prick out the seedlings once they are dormant, putting perhaps 2 plants per pot, and grow them on in a greenhouse or frame for at least a couple of years. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant[K]. The seedlings take 4 - 5 years to reach flowering size[1]. Division of the bulbs in June/July when the leaves have died down[1]. Larger bulbs can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up the smaller bulbs and grow them on in a cold frame for a year before planting them out. The plant can be divided every other year if a quick increase is required[1].

For further Colchicum autumnale gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future