Saffron Crocus - Key Growing Information
Planting: Plant 3–4" deep and 3–4" apart, pressing corms into prepared soil or dropping them into dibbled holes and covering them. Set them flat side down: the top often has a long bit of dried stem, and the bottom often shows small white shoots. Don't overwater, as soggy soil rots corms, and skip the mulch. Corms multiply over the years; every 4–5 years, dig, divide and replant to avoid crowding.
Light Preference: Best in full sun but copes with some shade; needs at least 5–6 hours of sun a day at bloom time.
Plant Height: Flowers 4–6"; leaves 4–10".
Hardiness Zones: Perennial in Zones 5–8 and has been known to persist in Zone 4. Saffron crocus responds to day length and does best roughly between latitudes 30° and 50°.
Harvest: The saffron threads used in cooking are the flower's stigmas. Expect 2–4 flowers per corm, each with 3 stigmas. The simplest method is to pick whole flowers just before they open fully, gripping each at the base and pulling up, then take them somewhere handy to process. While the flowers are still fresh, pull out the orange-red stigmas from the center, and dry the threads somewhere dark and warm, at 80–95°F (27–35°C).
Storage: Keep dried saffron in an airtight container somewhere cool and dark. Light degrades it, so if your storage spot isn't dark, use an opaque container or wrap it in foil.
Soil Requirements: Saffron crocus does best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid excess nitrogen and fresh manure.
Pests and Disease: Rodents go after both corms and plants, so protect the crop from them at every stage.
Uses: Bedding flower and culinary spice.
Scientific Name: Crocus sativus
Alternate Common Names: Saffron crocus, autumn crocus.
