Saffron Crocus do well in Zone 6 or higher. I grew my corms in Zone 5 expecting them to flower the same year I planted them. If I don't lift and store them, they might not survive our colder winters. Flowers developed 6 weeks after planting.
2. Plant corms 4" deep and 3" apart, add organic bulb fertilizer at time of planting.
3. Harvest the stigmas once the flowers are fully opened. Dry the stigmas before storing.
4. Once flowers are done blooming, store the bulb corms in dry sand or peat moss over the winter if you are lifting and storing; plant again in the spring.