Colchicum luteum
Colchicum luteumfam. Liliaceae
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Pl. 2061 — Colchicum luteum
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IOverview
Overview
Colchicum luteum, known as Skip in common parlance, is a small bulbous plant native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Pakistan, Tadzhikistan, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and parts of the West Himalaya. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil with medium fertility. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows to a height of about 10 cm. The edible bulb of Colchicum luteum makes it a valuable addition to certain culinary traditions, though specific uses are not detailed here.
Quick answers
What is Colchicum luteum?
Colchicum luteum, known as Skip in common parlance, is a small bulbous plant native to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia, including Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Pakistan, Tadzhikistan, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and parts of the West Himalaya.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Colchicum luteum thrives in full sun and prefers moist, medium soil conditions. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows to a height of about 0.1 meters. For cultivation, ensure the bulbs are planted in well-draining soil to prevent rot. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Harvest edible parts from the bulb when needed.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Colchicum luteum for the first time
8steps
Start with Colchicum luteum as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Colchicum luteum bulbs and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in autumn, around September or October.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun and prepare loose, well-draining soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Bury bulbs 5-10 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the soil feels dry and mulch around bulbs for winter protection.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
No need to harvest; simply remove spent flowers after blooming.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too shallow, overwatering, neglecting winter protection
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Bulb
Edible uses: The bulb of Colchicum luteum is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, it is prepared by boiling to ensure proper cooking. Skip the detailed preparation steps as they are not provided in the data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)AfghanistanChinaKazakhstanPakistanTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Kirgizstan, Tadzhikistan, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Liliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Liliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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