Saffron Crocus Growing Guide
About Saffron Crocus
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
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Climatic Zones
Saffron Crocus grows best in cool, temperate and arid regions in Australia.
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When To Plant Saffron Crocus
Plant in late summer for flowering in late autumn.
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Where To Plant Saffron Crocus
A sunny position is ideal.
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Soil Preparation
Soil must be well drained. Poor soil can be improved by digging in organic matter before planting.
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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.
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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.
