Information On How To Grow Saffron Crocus Bulbs
Saffron has often been described as a spice that is worth more than its weight in gold. It's so expensive that you may wonder “Can I grow saffron crocus bulbs and harvest my own saffron?” The answer is yes; you can grow saffron in your home garden. Keep reading to learn how to grow saffron.
Before Growing Saffron Crocus
Saffron comes from the saffron crocus bulb (Crocus sativus), which is an autumn blooming crocus. The spice is actually the red stigmas of this crocus flower. Each flower will only produce three stigmas and each saffron crocus bulb will only produce one flower. When growing saffron, first find a place to purchase the saffron crocus bulbs. Most people turn to a reputable online nursery to purchase them, though you may find them for sale at a small local nursery or catalog. It's highly unlikely that you'll find them at a chain store or big box store. Once you have purchased the saffron crocus bulbs, you can plant them in your yard. As they are fall blooming crocuses, you will plant them in the fall, but they will probably not bloom the year you plant them. Instead, you'll see foliage in the spring, which will die back, and saffron flowers the following fall. Saffron crocus bulbs do not store well. Plant them as soon as possible after receiving them.
How to Grow Saffron Plants
Saffron plants need well-draining soil and lots of sun. If saffron crocus is planted in swampy or poor draining soil, it will rot. Other than needing good soil and sun, saffron crocus is not picky. When you plant your saffron crocus bulbs, place them in the ground at about 3 to 5 inches (8-13 cm.) deep and at least 6 inches (15 cm.) apart. About 50 to 60 saffron flowers will produce about 1 tablespoon (15 ml.) of saffron spice, so keep this in mind when figuring how many to plant. Also keep in mind that saffron crocus multiply rapidly, so in a few years' time you will have more than enough. After your saffron crocus bulbs are planted, they need very little care. They will be hardy down to -15 degrees F. (-26 C.). You can fertilize them once a year, though they grow fine without being fertilized as well. You can also water them if the rainfall in your area falls below 1.5 inches (4 cm.) per week. Growing saffron crocus is easy and certainly makes the expensive spice much more affordable. Now that you know how to grow saffron plants, you can give this spice a try in your herb garden.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."
Heather Rhoades founded Gardening Know How in 2007. She holds degrees from Cleveland State University and Northern Kentucky University. She is an avid gardener with a passion for community, and is a recipient of the Master Gardeners of Ohio Lifetime Achievement Award.
-
How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In The Garden: 9 Natural Ways To Make Them Buzz Off!
How to get rid of mosquitoes is on the minds of people in the summer in almost every region of the world. Learn how to repel the pests without toxic chemicals.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Monkey Orchid Care: How To Grow This Fascinating Species
The monkey orchid bears a remarkable resemblance to its namesake and, with a little know-how, can be successfully grown as a houseplant.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Non Blooming Saffron Crocus - How To Get Saffron Crocus Flowers
In order to enjoy the beauty of the flowers and, more importantly, protect your pocketbook, finding out why saffron crocus is not blooming is crucial. Read this article to find out how to get saffron crocus flowers in full production.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Growing Saffron Indoors: Care Of Saffron Crocus In The Home
The care of saffron crocus is no more difficult than that of any other type of bulb. In fact, it can even be grown indoors. Container-grown saffron is easy. Read this article to learn about their indoor care.
By Amy Grant
-
Saffron Harvest Info: How And When To Pick Saffron
There's more to saffron than just growing it. You need to know how and when to harvest the herb. Learn about saffron crocus harvesting and its uses today by reading this article.
By Amy Grant
-
Container Grown Saffron - Care Of Saffron Crocus Bulb In Containers
Saffron is an ancient spice that has been used as a flavor for food and also as a dye. Saffron comes from the three stigmas of the fall blooming Crocus sativus plant. Learn how to grow these plants in pots in this article.
By Susan Patterson