A stunning autumn Crocus which produces the most expensive spice in the world! Saffron is a staple seasoning for paella and lots of other tasty mediterranean dishes. The Saffron Crocus Bulb boasts purple blooms with intricate brushed detailing on each petal. The deep red, fragrant stigmas really stand out against the colour of the flowers and are the crucial part used to harvest the saffron. Perfect for planting in your beds, borders and patio pots.
Growing Information
Growing Information
The Saffron Crocus is hardy and flowers in the autumn before it becomes dormant in April once the foliage dies back. Flowering will commence approximately 40 days from planting although some bulbs will not flower in the first year. Each bulb may produce up to 6 or more flowers over a period of 15 days. The bulbs should be planted 10-15cm (4-6″) deep and 5 cm (2″) apart in a sheltered, warm, sunny position. Saffron Crocus prefers a well-drained soil in a position that dries out when the plants are dormant. (Dry soil in dormancy prevents the bulbs rotting and aids formation of the flowers for the following autumn). An ideal position would be at the base of a south facing wall or in containers that could be moved into a greenhouse between April and September. Each bulb will only last one season and will be replaced by 1-10 new ones. The new bulbs produced grow above the old ones and will gradually creep nearer the surface so it will be necessary to lift and replant them every few years. This is best done in August.
To obtain saffron, the 25mm red stigmas need to be carefully removed with tweezers as soon as the flowers are fully open on a sunny day. This needs to be done as soon as possible but flowers will last a few days before withering. Dry the strands for approx 10 mins in an oven at 50C. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and don’t touch the strands before they look dried down. They will become crispy/ crackly when touched. This temperature is required to allow the chemical reactions to occurs that give the saffron its distinct flavour and aroma and improves levels of active ingredients. Once dry the saffron needs to be stored in s sterile airtight container for at least 1 month to allow flavour and aroma to develop./p>
Although the bulbs we supply are of the highest quality, it is possible that some will not flower in the first year. Occasionally some bulbs may need a full season to enable them to reach the size and maturity needed to produce a flower. Feed the corm with potash feeds after flowering and then in Spring to improve chances of flowering next year..
