Saffron Crocus 'sativus' (Crocus) - SPECIAL

10 Bulbs (Max 100 Per customer)
£1.00
£0.10 each

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It takes about 150 flowers to produce just one gram of dried saffron spice, which is why it is more valuable by weight than gold! The saffron crocus has been cultivated for over 3,500 years.

This is no ordinary crocus; Crocus sativus is the legendary Saffron Crocus, the source of the world's most expensive spice. Unlike its spring-flowering cousins, this variety blooms in the autumn, producing beautiful, lilac-purple flowers with darker purple veins. The true treasure, however, lies within. Each flower contains three long, vivid crimson-red stigmas, which are the saffron threads. These must be carefully hand-picked and dried to be used as a spice for flavouring and colouring food. The grass-like foliage appears before or with the flowers and remains through the winter. Growing your own saffron is a rewarding experience, connecting you to an ancient culinary tradition. While each bulb produces only a few threads, planting a generous drift can yield a precious and delicious harvest.

Botanical name Crocus sativus
Flower colour Purple
Bulb size 7/8 cm
Established height 10-15 cm
Established spread 5-8 cm
Plant spacing 100-150 bulbs per m²
Leaf colour Green
Habit Clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Fully hardy
Years to establish 1st year
Sunlight Full sun
Position Sheltered
Suitable for Borders, Pots, Herb gardens, Gravel gardens
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Loam, Sandy
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy to grow
Pollinator-friendly Yes
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

This is the Saffron Crocus, which uniquely flowers in the autumn. To encourage flowering and the production of saffron threads, it must have the sunniest, warmest, and most sheltered spot in your garden. The soil must be very well-drained and gritty; a raised bed or a large, deep container is often ideal. It needs a good summer baking to initiate the blooms, so avoid any spot that remains damp.

How to Plant:

Unlike spring crocuses, these corms should be planted in late summer, from late July to August, for flowers in the same year. Plant the corms quite deeply, about 15cm (6 inches) deep, with the pointed tip facing upwards. This deep planting protects the corm and helps with flower production. Space them about 10-15cm apart to allow them to multiply over the years. Water once after planting to settle them in.

Aftercare:

The lilac flowers will appear in October or November. For saffron, you must harvest the three red stigmas from the centre of each flower on the morning it opens. After flowering, the grassy foliage will emerge and persist through winter into spring. It is vital to let this foliage die back naturally in late spring. Keep the area as dry as possible during their summer dormancy.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Attracts wildlife

Low maintenance

Perfect for pots

Saffron Crocus 'sativus' (Crocus) - Harding & Bloom

Saffron Crocus 'sativus' (Crocus) - SPECIAL

£3.99 £1.00
£3.99 £1.00

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Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset