Persian autumn crocus (Colchicum kotschyi)
Care, watering, light and tips for Persian autumn crocus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Colchicaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Persian autumn crocus
Colchicum kotschyi, commonly known as Autumn Crocus or Acıçiğdem, is a perennial bulbous plant that blooms in autumn, producing delicate lavender-pink or white flowers before its leaves emerge. Its solitary or small clusters of blooms rise directly from the ground, creating a striking display in rock gardens, border fronts, or beneath deciduous trees. It provides a much-appreciated splash of color in the autumn landscape when most other plants have finished their floral cycle.
Native range
Turkey, the Caucasus, and northern Iran
Care tips
Colchicum kotschyi thrives in full sun to light partial shade and well-drained soil, preferably sandy or gravelly, as waterlogging is its main adversary. Watering should be moderate during the active growing season (autumn-spring), significantly reduced in summer when the bulb is dormant. Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep with similar spacing. Avoid disturbing established bulbs, as they dislike frequent transplantation.
How to save a dying Persian autumn crocus
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing or spotted leaves, no flowering, soft or rotten corm.
- First aid
- Check corm for rot. If soft, remove affected parts, replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering, especially in summer. Corm rots easily if kept moist.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act fast. A very rotten corm is hard to save, but if the base is healthy, there's hope.