We still have quite a few bulbs of Holy Saffron (Crocus sativus) available for sale. This is a fall-flowering species and many of the corms that we planted this year came up flowering, richly producing the bright red stamens that are saffron spice. Saffron rice, anyone?(Holy Saffron, Crocus sativus) Hardy to zone 6 (-10 degrees F) but can be grown in pots in any zone. Source of the enticeingly delicious spice Saffron, that is also a coloring agent, medicinal herb and a much-employed ingredient in high-end herbal formulas. Saffron prefers rich, dry to mesic soils in the full sun to part shade. Plant the bulbs (technically they are corms) with the pointy end up, 3 to 6 inches deep in rich soil, and 6 inches apart. Protect from gophers or other burrowing animals that eat onion-like things. Saffron in our experience is a fall plant--it goes summer dormant and emerges in the fall and flowers at that time. It is possible that the plant may cycle differently in different climates--a review of the literature would certainly lead one to suspect as much! Saffron bulbs do excellently in pots--you can plant 3 bulbs in a gallon pot and at least 6 bulbs in a 3-gallon pot. The best Saffron is grown in mediterranean climate where it is hot and dry in the summer and cool and moist in the winter. If planting in pots, then for best results, mimic these conditions by placing and/protecting pots accordingly. The saffron bulbs go completely dormant in the summer, which is when we dig them. If stored for a period of time, they are so vital that they will soon throw roots and aerial shoots. Therefore it is not unusual for us to ship sprouted saffron bulbs, which are best planted immediately upon receipt. They will emerge from the ground in a few days time. Flowering will occur in first or second year.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 15:00:00 +0000
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