Sternbergia lutea

Sternbergia lutea is a small bulb commonly known as the Autumn Yellow Crocus or Harvester, because its radiant, yellow, goblet-shaped flower appears in September or early October, with the return of the rains. It is often admired among the vines or olive trees. Its growth cycle corresponds to Mediterranean bulbs: the foliage emerges in autumn, persists in winter, and disappears well before the arrival of summer drought. Sternbergia is quite hardy and establishes itself in the ground in mild climates, where it multiplies very easily both vegetatively and through self-seeding.

Sternbergia lutea belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family, it is a bulb closer to daffodils than crocuses which belong to the Iridaceae family. This species is native to the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East, more precisely from Italy to Turkey. In the wild, the plant grows in groups on rocky and sunny soils where it endures long dry periods in summer. It is a protected species, and its trade is regulated by CITES.

Sternbergia lutea grows from an elongated, 3-4 cm diameter bulb, covered with brown skin. The foliage forms at the same time or just after flowering and is composed of ribbon-like, 1 cm wide, shiny dark green leaves gathered in a tuft. Each bulb produces one to several 15 to 20 cm tall flower stalks, each carrying a single elongated cup-shaped, very bright yellow flower measuring about 4 cm in height, at its end. The corolla has 3 petals and 3 very similar sepals, as well as 6 stamens (the crocus has only 3 stamens).

Sternbergia lutea is an excellent, autumn flowering bulb, very easy to grow in milder regions and perfectly happy in a Mediterranean climate. It is easy to grow with a charming flowering, out-of-season for bulbs generally. Plant the bulbs in a rockery, in a raised bed or against an exposed wall. They can also be planted in a lawn, provided that it is not mowed while the foliage is green. In cold regions, they can be grown in pots, which allows the bulbs to be protected in winter. To accompany them, consider white Naples cyclamen, dwarf Artemisia, silver ragwort, and Nanus sedum-leaved aster... 

Note: bulbs should be planted as soon as possible.