How to Grow Saffron Crocus

Saffron has a reputation for being the most expensive substance in the world. Here’s how you can grow this ancient spice in your own garden.

When I decided to found a fewsaffron crocus bulbs(Crocus sativus ) this twilight , I had no idea of the spice ’s fat history . I thought I was just trying to save some money by growing the world ’s most expensive substance instead ofbuying itat the store .

Once I got ready to plant the small corm , I get wind that saffron is thought to have spring up in what is now Turkey . I did n’t fuck that saffron was also popular among both the Greeks and Romans . It was the Romans who spread saffron through northern Europe and into Britain . The prized spice was brought to America in the other 1700s by a German husbandman who grow it on his land in Pennsylvania .

The saffron spiciness is in reality the tiny orangish - violent stigmas that produce in the center of each small violet flower . Every flower is cut and the stigmas are cautiously removed by script and then dried . Because so little Crocus sativus is gathered from each flower , and because the process is so Labour intensive , saffron can sell for $ 75 an ounce .

The experts say it contract between 60,000 and 100,000 saffron flowers to produce one pound of sellable saffron . Fortunately , most of the recipes I have in mind ask for just a generous pinch to add an earthy flavor and sensationalistic colouration to paella , bouillabaisse and risotto . Some mass enjoy saffron as an ingredient in cakes , too .

Planting Saffron Bulbs

Saffron is planted in fall in moist , well - drained grease and it can be implant in full sun to partial shade . The corm are planted 3 - 4 inches deep , spaced 6 inches aside .

Before I place the bulbs in each planting hole , I ’ll sprinkle in some inorganic phosphate to advance the bulbs to develop a uncompromising root system . Once the ground freezes , I ’ll mulch the garden bed intemperately and keep it water if the wintertime is too affectionate and dry .

As the atmospheric condition warms in spring , I ’ll be interested to see when the long , locoweed - like leaves start to emerge . That ’s when it ’s meter to slowly perpetrate back the mulch and compass in a bit more P . The flowers want to be watered through summer and then , with luck , I ’ll see lilac - purple flower petal , bloom in early dip .

Have you grow saffron in your garden ? If so , please partake your develop tips here .

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