Saffron is a pricy spice harvested from a fall-flowering crocus.
Learn how to grow it to harvest your own saffron.
While growing the crocus itself is not difficult, saffron production takes a lot of flowers.
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Unlikespring-blooming crocus, you dont have to wait long for the flowers.
Saffron crocus is planted in late summer and blooms six to eight weeks after planting.
It multiplies over time and rewards you with more blooms each year.
Autumn crocus is highly toxic to humans and pets.
It is leafless with star-shaped, lavender-pink to lilac-pink flowers.
Where to Plant Saffron Crocus
Saffron crocus is hardy inUSDA Hardiness Zones 5-9.
Plant it in full sun and well-drained or sandy soil.
It is possible to grow saffron crocus in containers, although its not ideal.
The corms are insufficiently insulated against temperature fluctuations, especially if the container is small.
For one tablespoon of saffron, youll need to plant about 50 crocus corms.
Before planting, amend the soil with an organic fertilizer orbone meal.
Plant the saffron corms with the pointed end up.
The flatter end usually has some dried roots, which helps show you the way.
Either dig a 3-inch trench or use a narrow trowel to dig individual holes about 3 inches deep.
Space the corms 3 to 4 inches apart to ensure enough air flow and room to grow.
Press down on the soil firmly, and then water well.
Light
Saffron crocusdoes best in full sun.
Water the corms immediately after planting them so they sprout.
After planting, they need only a half-inch of water per week for the rest of the growing season.
During their summer dormant period, there is no need to water saffron crocuses.
This plant struggles in a humid climate, which affects saffron quality.
The best humidity range for saffron crocus corms is 4050 percent.
The flowers will bloom six to eight weeks later.
Pests and Problems
Growing saffron crocus is not without its challenges.
During the growing season, the saffron mite is known for attacking damaged corms.
Corm rot and root rot can usually be prevented by watering sparingly and planting in well-drained soil.
How to Propagate Saffron Crocus
Saffron crocuses are propagated by division.
When shopping for corms, you mayor may notsee a country designation.
see to it they dont overlap.
Let them air-dry for a day or two.
you’ve got the option to also use a dehydrator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most crocus species are toxic.
Expect saffron crocus corms to remain productive for about 3-5 years.
Over that time, new corms will develop that can be divided and replanted to replace the original corm.
“North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
“Saffron Post-Harvest Handling Best Practice Recommendations.
“The University of Vermont.
“Toxicology Ettects of Saffron and Its Constituents: A Review.
“The National Library of Medicine.
