Viability and germinability tests were carried out on the pollen ofCrocus sativusL., a sterile triploid commonly known as saffron. Pollen taken from dehiscent anthers was examined by means of vital staining and cytochemical techniques in order to detect its viability; germinationin vitrowas evaluated. From the results obtained it is evident that saffron pollen is viable at a high percentage (65%) but germinates at a very low percentage. Moreoverin vitrogermination is very slow, and is accompained by numerous morphological anomalies. The low germination of the pollen is due to the triploidy ofC. sativus.