By Sarah Henderson, Colorado Master Gardener

As we approach the peak of summer, sometimes it’s hard to think about fall. Personally, fall is my favorite season, so I think about it a lot. Something I’ve always wondered about is the fall-blooming crocus, specifically the one that produces saffron. When I was asked to write this article about fall-blooming bulbs, that was the plant that immediately came to mind. What I didn’t know much about were some of the other fall blooming bulbs such as autumn daffodils. That got me really excited. Daffs are some of my favorite spring bulbs. They’re so bright and happy in the spring garden. But now I can have them in my fall garden as well? Just when everything else is worn out and going to bed for the winter, there are some exciting fall-blooming bulbs that you can plant now to enjoy before the cold weather really sets in.

First, let’s talk about saffron crocus. Crocus sativus has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years for its stigmas, which are used in cooking as the spice saffron. You may have noticed how expensive saffron is in stores. It’s more valuable by weight than gold. You can even grow it yourself under the proper conditions. It’s hardy to Zone 6, so you need to plant it in a pot that is protected during winter, or in a covered, raised bed or a very warm, protected part of the garden. Unlike spring bulbs that need the chill of winter to induce blooming, fall-blooming crocus need a long period of hot and dry weather to bloom. Late summer is the ideal time to plant them, which makes now the time to plan your new saffron crocus crop. I have a very hot and dry spot in my yard where I plan to grow some this year.

Not interested in making your new fortune harvesting saffron? There are other cultivars of fall blooming crocus to check out. Crocus speciosus and Crocus pulchellus are hardy down to Zone 4 and Zone 5, respectively. Both come in a variety of colors to spice up the fall garden. All crocus bulbs are technically corms and should be planted both four to six inches deep, with space between them.

Another exciting addition to the fall garden is the autumn daffodil. The most commonly available is a bright yellow crocus look-alike, Sternbergia lutea. It will require winter protection, as well, since it’s hardy down to Zone 6. After falling into a Google search rabbit hole, it looks like some daffodil enthusiasts have been successfully hybridizing other fall-blooming daffodils that appear more like traditional daffs. Sadly, they don’t seem to be readily available yet. Instead, check out colchicums with their lilac blossoms to mix with your autumn daffs.

Do these fall-blooming bulbs have you more excited about your fall garden? I know I’m looking forward to trying out some new varieties.