When to Plant Saffron in Zone 8
In USDA zone 8a, plant outdoors September 22 to November 11, and expect your first harvest around November 11. Zone 8 also has a fall planting window opening around September 22. (8a shown here — see 8a and 8b dates separately below.)
Saffron planting calendar for USDA Zone 8a
Average last spring frost
April 1
Average first fall frost
November 10
Direct sow
Sep 22
Projected first harvest
Nov 11
Saffron needs about 50 days to mature — longer than zone 8atypically 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 8b
Average last spring frost
March 20
Average first fall frost
November 20
Direct sow
Oct 2
Projected first harvest
Nov 21
Saffron needs about 50 days to mature — longer than zone 8btypically 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 8a or 8b? 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.
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