Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil to see if it is soggy during the summer.
- Inspect a corm for mushy texture or foul smell.
- Check if your soil is heavy clay.
Likely causes
Summer Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The corms feel soft or mushy when dug up during the summer dormancy. The soil stays damp even when the plant is not growing.
What to do: Stop all watering once the foliage dies back in late spring. Keep the soil completely dry until the new growth begins in autumn.
Poor Soil Drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water pools on the surface after rain or irrigation. The corms show signs of fungal decay or dark spots.
What to do: Amend heavy clay soil with sand or grit to improve drainage. If the area stays wet, move the corms to a raised bed.
When to worry
If the corm is mushy and smells bad, it is likely too far gone to save. If it is just firm but slightly discolored, you may be able to save it by drying it out.
Stopping it coming back
Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and avoid watering during the summer dormancy period.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your saffron crocus.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I save a rotting corm?
- If the rot is minor, you can cut away the soft parts and let the corm dry in a shady, airy spot for a few days before replanting. If the rot is extensive, discard it to protect other plants.
- How often should I water during the growing season?
- Water moderately every 7 to 14 days, only if the soil feels dry to the touch.
More problems with Saffron Crocus
Back to the Saffron Crocus guide
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.