When to Plant Saffron in Zone 5
In USDA zone 5a, plant outdoors August 13 to October 2, and expect your first harvest around October 2. Zone 5 also has a fall planting window opening around August 13. (5a shown here — see 5a and 5b dates separately below.)
Saffron planting calendar for USDA Zone 5a
Average last spring frost
May 5
Average first fall frost
October 1
Direct sow
Aug 13
Projected first harvest
Oct 2
Saffron needs about 50 days to mature — longer than zone 5atypically stays frost-free, so it likely won't reliably ripen there outdoors without a head start indoors or season extension.
Saffron planting calendar for USDA Zone 5b
Average last spring frost
April 30
Average first fall frost
October 5
Direct sow
Aug 17
Projected first harvest
Oct 6
Saffron needs about 50 days to mature — longer than zone 5btypically stays frost-free, so it likely won't reliably ripen there outdoors without a head start indoors or season extension.
Not sure whether you're in 5a or 5b? Set your ZIP in HomeSown for dates tuned to your exact location.
Varieties to grow
1 variety of saffron in the HomeSown library. Tap any for its full grow guide.
🌱 Grow saffron with a calendar built for your exact yard
HomeSown turns your ZIP code into a personalized planting calendar, watering reminders, and pest help. Free to start.
Start your free garden →