Can You Grow Saffron at Home?
The saffron
extract comes from the
stigmas of the Crocus sativus, Saffron crocus, plant. The bulbs associated with saffron, called corms, are easy to get and probably available at your local garden store. You are going to
plant in the late
fall.
You want a place in your garden or yard that drains well and has full sun exposure. You can also plant the crocus plant in a pot with drainage holes and place it someplace where it gets plenty of sunshine. Container planting is a good idea if you get lots of little invaders in your garden like rodents or rabbits.
First, till the soil to loosen it upand mix in some organic nutrients such as:
- Compost
- Peat
- Shredded leaves
Choose anything that will decay and fertilize the earth.
Bury the saffron corms deep in the soil before the first freeze.For most people, this will be late October or early November. Ideally, you will plant the corms in clusters, not rows, leaving about three inches between each bulb. Place them about four or five inches beneath the soil.
Water them thoroughly after planting. You want to water the plants once or twice a week through fall and winter if it is dry and the temperature stays above freezing. The goal is to have twin inches of moist soil above them. Reapply the organic matter once a season to encourage growth and keep the plants healthy.
