saffron flowers

What is crocus sativus

Saffron is an autumn flowering crocus. It dies down during summer, and then in March, when the nights start getting cold, up will pop the first green tips. Flowers will generally follow about 3-4 weeks later, however this is very dependent on weather and corm size. The saffron ‘grass’ (what we call the leaves) will then grow all winter and die down in early spring.

Saffron reproduces by replication, i.e. the corms divide and create daughter corms, which means every 3 years you should lift your corms and divide them up, this ensures they have room to grow and reduces the risk of disease. Each corm generally produces one flower per season.

How to grow saffron

You can plant them in the ground or in a large deep pot. Regardless of which option you choose, good draining is critical to being successful. Plant your corms approximately 10cm deep and at least 10cm apart, don’t water them in, any time from late December through till early

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