Crocus Sativus - Corms 10-20mm

Saffron Corms

Would you like to grow your own saffron?

Crocus sativus is a delightful bloom, emerging in autumn to brighten those chilly days. If the burst of purple on a dull day isn’t enchanting enough, these crocuses hold an even greater secret—a hidden treasure. Nestled inside each flower are the bright burgundy stigmas, none other than the precious saffron spice. Whether you dream of cultivating a commercial crop, supplementing your kitchen and medicine cabinet, or creating a stunning ornamental garden, saffron is a winner on all counts.

Growing saffron requires patience and care, but the rewards are worthwhile. Follow these helpful tips for a fuss-free saffron patch.

Saffron Planting Guide

Essentials for Success

• Planting Season: Late December to late March, with late January to early February being ideal.
• Saffron prefers well-draining, sandy, or loamy soils. Heavy clay soils can lead to waterlogging, which causes bulb rot. Aim for a slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.5–7.5)
• Spacing & Depth: Plant corms 10 cm apart and 10–15 cm deep in free-draining, nutrient-rich soil.

Site & Soil Tips

• Sunlight: Ensure the planting area gets full sunlight.
• Soil Preparation:
• Add compost or a mix of rock phosphate (2 parts), dolomite (1 part), lime (1 part), gypsum (1 part), and potassium (1/4 part).
• Use raised beds if soil drainage is poor.

Watering & Care

• Watering: Water 10–15 days before flowering to boost production. The crop only needs 1 mm of water per week over the growing season.
• Weed Control: Use sawdust mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

Maintenance & Lifecycle

• Lifting & Dividing: Every 3–4 years, lift and replant corms to prevent overcrowding and sustain yields.
• Feeding: Fertilize every 2 weeks with fish and seaweed during the growing season. Stop fertilizing by October as plants go dormant.

Harvesting & Processing

• Flowering Time: Late March to early May, lasting around 4 weeks.
• Daily Harvest: Pick flowers in the morning as they bloom, and remove stigmas for drying. Dry stigmas in a dehydrator at 65°C for 2 hours or air dry on a rack for 2–3 days.
• Storage: Keep dried stigmas in an airtight container away from direct light.