Crocus sativus Grow Your Own Saffron

Grow your own saffron (the most expensive spice in the world). Position: full sun Soil: gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: October to November Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 7/- Grow your own saffron (the most ...Grow your own saffron (the most expensive spice in the world). Position: full sun Soil: gritty, poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil Rate of growth: average Flowering period: October to November Hardiness: fully hardy Bulb size: 7/- Grow your own saffron (the most expensive spice in the world), with this beautiful crocus.

It produces large sterile, rich lilac flowers with distinctive purple veins in October and November. An autumn-flowering crocus, it is named after its three long, deep-red stigmas, which are cultivated commercially for colouring and flavouring food. To provide the conditions in which it needs to thrive, plant the bulbs from August to October in gritty, well-drained soil and keep the area weed free.

Garden care: Plant bulbs 10-15cm (4-6in) deep from August in a hot, sunny spot. They can even be planted in grass but do not cut the lawn until after the leaves have died back. Saffron crocus can only be propagated by dividing the corms.

After 3 to 4 years dig up the corms, divide and replant in fresh soil. This will not have an adverse effect on the long-term health and vigour, and the ones that have not started to flower should be planted out as normal, taking care not to damage any emerging shoots. Those that have started to flower should be taken out of the bag and placed on a sunny windowsill where you can enjoy the show.

As soon as the flowers have faded (and before the leaves develop) these too can be planted out.