Saffron Crocus is an attractive, autumn-flowering perennial with a long and fascinating history of cultivation. Along with purple-veined lilac petals, the flowers are known for their orange-red stigmas, which have been highly prized for thousands of years. Widely known as saffron, its dried stigmas are used in cooking and as a dye.
Taxonomy
Species Crocus sativus in the family Iridaceae.
How To Grow Saffron Crocus
Climatic Zones
Saffron Crocus grows best in cool, temperate and arid regions in Australia.
When To Plant Saffron Crocus
Plant in late summer for flowering in late autumn.
Where To Plant Saffron Crocus
A sunny position is ideal.
Soil Preparation
Soil must be well drained. Poor soil can be improved by digging in organic matter before planting.
How To Plant Saffron Crocus
Plant bulbs 10-15cm deep, 15cm apart. Use a small amount of blood and bone with a complete fertiliser when planting. Given suitable climatic conditions, the bulbs will naturalise into the garden, requiring little minimal maintenance.
Harvesting
If you wish to harvest the saffron threads (the crimson-coloured flower stigmas), use a pair of tweezers to remove them as soon as the flowers open. Allow threads to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 4-5 days, then store in an airtight container.
Buy Saffron Crocus Now
Saffron Crocus bulbs are available to order from Garden Express from mid-October. Don’t miss out on adding these beauties to your garden in the coming months.
Crocus Saffron
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