Autumn crocus (colchicum): vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Colchicum autumnale
Autumn crocus (colchicum) (Colchicum autumnale, family Colchicaceae) usually lasts 4–7 days in a vase. In season: Autumn. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: accent / texture.
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Autumn crocus (colchicum)
- Botanical name
- Colchicum autumnale
- Family
- Colchicaceae
- Aliases
- autumncrocus
- Native origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
- Growth habit
- Herbaceous perennial or biennial with sturdy, upright flowering stems.
- Stem length
- 50–70 cm
- Natural colours
- Pink, Purple
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in autumn
- Commercial supply
- Peak in autumn
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 4–7 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Every part is poisonous, including the bulb. Wear gloves, keep it away from food and children, and do not confuse it with edible saffron crocus.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Accent / texture in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Every part is poisonous, including the bulb. Wear gloves, keep it away from food and children, and do not confuse it with edible saffron crocus.
For florists
Try Autumn crocus (colchicum) in a client design
Start with your idea; no inventory needed. Flower availability and costs need confirmation. New accounts receive 30 credits.
Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Every part is poisonous, including the bulb. Wear gloves, keep it away from food and children, and do not confuse it with edible saffron crocus.
- Autumn crocus (colchicum) is highly toxic to cats and dogs: never send it to or place it in a home with pets.
- Autumn crocus (colchicum) is short-lived (about 4–7 days): when mixed with longer-lasting stems, deliver the same or next day.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ! | Lasts only about 4–7 days — make up the day before or on the day. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ✕ | Highly toxic to cats and dogs. Choose something else. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ! | Short-lived (about 4–7 days) — deliver the same or next day. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as autumn crocus (colchicum) and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Dahlia | Focal flower | 4–6 days |
| Rose | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Zinnia | Focal flower | 5–7 days |
| Cosmos | Filler flower | 5–7 days |
| Hardy begonia | Filler flower | 3–5 days |
| Baby's breath | Filler flower | 7–10 days |
Substitutes
When autumn crocus (colchicum) is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pomegranate | 7–14 days | Summer, Autumn | None | — |
| Hypericum berries | 10–14 days | Year-round | None | mildly toxic |
| Winterberry | 14–30 days | Autumn, Winter | None | mildly toxic |
| Heavenly bamboo (nandina) | 14–30 days | Autumn, Winter | None | mildly toxic |
FAQ
How long does autumn crocus (colchicum) last in a vase?
Usually 4–7 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is autumn crocus (colchicum) in season?
In season in autumn; at other times prices can run high or quality can vary.
How do you keep autumn crocus (colchicum) fresh?
Every part is poisonous, including the bulb. Wear gloves, keep it away from food and children, and do not confuse it with edible saffron crocus.
What colours does autumn crocus (colchicum) come in?
Naturally in pink, purple (not counting dyed stems).
Is autumn crocus (colchicum) toxic to cats or dogs?
Highly toxic to cats and dogs, and can be fatal if eaten. Keep it out of homes with pets.
What can I use instead of autumn crocus (colchicum)?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Pomegranate, Hypericum berries, Winterberry, Heavenly bamboo (nandina).
Related guides
In season at the same time
ChrysanthemumLove-lies-bleedingMaple branchesWinterberryGlobe amaranthZinniaDahliaCelosia