Sternbergia Lutea Growing Guide

What is Sternbergia Lutea?

Sternbergia Lutea (Sternbergia lutea) also known as the Yellow Autumn Crocus, Autumn Daffodil, or Lily of the Field is a tiny Autumn flowering bulb. A clump forming bulbous perennial it comes from the Amaryllidaceae family where it originated from western Mediterranean Balearic Islands through to Tajikistan in Central Asia. Strap shaped dark green leaves emerge in Autumn with their crocus style brightly yellow coloured single flower appearing above it. Sternbergia prefer a well drained soil and grows well in sunny or lightly shaded positions. It tolerates frost and is fairly happy in almost any soil that is kept fairly dry during Summer. They need lots of summer sun to produce great blooms. Preferably, they should be grown en masses or good size groups.

Benefits of Growing Sternbergia Lutea

How to Grow Sternbergia Lutea

Climatic Zones

Cool, temperate, arid.

Plant Size

Height: 15cm, Width: 10cm

When To Plant Sternbergia Lutea

Plant in Summer

Soil Preparation

They are fairly happy in almost any soil type (not boggy). When preparing the garden bed add well broken down compost or complete fertiliser before planting.

How To Plant Sternbergia Lutea

Plant in full sun to light shade, 8-10cm apart with the bulb at a depth of 5cm.

Sternbergia Lutea Plant Care

Maintain moisture while leaves are showing however during Summer leave to dry. Top dress each Autumn with a complete fertiliser. Leave the bulbs in the ground year after year. They will form a largish clump over time, and for best flowering the bulbs need to be divided every 5 to 6 years to promote healthy growth. If clumps become congested they can be lifted and replanted further apart to ensure continued flowering. If you need to store them, they need to be stored in a warm, dry position until planting in January to March. Watch out for snails and slugs when buds appear.