Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Cultivate the right conditions
• Method 2 of 3: Plant your tubers
• Method 3 of 3: Harvesting saffron
• Necessities

Saffron is a delicious, unique spice that gives a distinctive flavor to various dishes, such as Spanish paella and bouillabaisse. Saffron is produced by the crocus flower, which can be easily grown within hardiness zones 6-9. Unfortunately, a crocus flower produces only a tiny amount of saffron every year, making saffron the most expensive spice in the world.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Cultivate the right conditions

1. Buy crocus tubers. The purple-colored saffron plant grows from the crocus tuber (which is similar to a flower bulb). These tubers should be bought fresh just before you plan to plant them. You can buy them online or at a local plant nursery.
   • Crocus tubers will grow best in hardiness zones 6-9.
   • Local nurseries within these zones are more likely to sell crocus tubers.
2. Find a planting site with well-draining soil and full sunlight. Select an area that receives a good amount of direct sunlight. Dig into the ground to make sure it is not too hard or packed. Crocus tubers can die if soaked with water, so you will need well-draining soil.
   • You can work the soil before planting to loosen it up.
3. Prepare the soil with organic matter. Work the area where you will plant your tubers, incorporating organic matter 25 inches deep into the soil. You can use compost, peat, or shredded leaves. This provides nutrients to the soil so that the crocus tubers can survive through the winter season.
4. Alternatively, plant your tubers in containers. If rodents or other pests are a common problem in your garden, planting your tubers in containers can be a good option. You will need plastic milk crates, weed cloth, duct tape and topsoil.
   • Make sure you choose a container with drainage holes, or make your own drainage holes if your container doesn't already have one.
   • Feed plastic milk crates with weed cloth and secure it with duct tape.
   • Fill your milk crates with about 13 inches of topsoil.
5. Plant your crocus tubers before the ground freezes. For best results, plant your tubers 6-8 weeks before the season's first frost. Depending on your climate (and hemisphere) this could be around October or November.
   • Check a farmer's almanac if you need help determining when to expect a deep frost in your area.

Method 2 of 3: Plant your tubers

1. Plant your crocus tubers in clusters. Rather than planting them in rows, your crocus flowers will grow better when planted in clusters. Plant your crocus tubers about three inches apart, and cluster them in groups of 10-12.
   • When using containers, each crate can hold 1 group of 10-12 tubers.
2. Plant the tubers three to ten inches deep in the soil. Use a trowel to dig small holes about three to four inches deep. Position each tuber pointed side up, and place 1 tuber in each hole. Cover each tuber with soil.
   • If you are using containers, place your tubers on top of the 13 inches of soil you have already added to the container. Then cover your tubers with another 2 inches of soil.
3. Water your tubers through the fall. Fall is the growing season for your crocus tubers. During this period, it is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
   • Start by watering your tubers 1-2 times a week.
   • Several times a week, tuck 2 of your fingers into the soil to gauge its moisture.
   • If there is still water more than a day after watering, start watering the tubers only once a week.
   • If your soil is completely dry (not damp) within a day, start watering 3 times a week.
4. Apply fertilizer to your tubers once a season. If you live in an area with a short, warm spring time, apply fertilizer to your tubers in early fall. If you live in an area with a long, temperate spring, apply fertilizer to your tubers just after they bloom. This will help your crocus tubers build a strong store of carbohydrates to help them survive into the next year.
   • Bone meal, compost, and aged manure are good fertilizer choices.

Method 3 of 3: Harvesting saffron

1. Be patient. Crocus flowers are easy to cultivate. They are naturally hardy and resistant to insects and diseases. The problem is that each tuber will only produce 1 flower, and each flower will only produce 3 saffron stigmas. At the end of your harvest, you will end up with just a tiny bit of usable saffron.
   • Although crocus flowers should appear 6-8 weeks after planting your tubers, sometimes the flowers will not appear until the following fall; a whole year after you plant your tubers.
   • In some cases, planting in the spring can produce flowers in the fall.
2. Pick the stigmas from every crocus flower. In the center of each purple crocus flower you should find 3 orange-red stigmas. Wait for a sunny day when the flowers are fully open and gently remove the stigmas from each crocus flower with your fingers.
3. Dry and store your saffron. When you have carefully removed all saffron stigmas, place the stigmas on paper towels in a warm, dry place. Leave them alone for 1-3 days until completely dried out.
   • Dried saffron can be stored in a cool, dry place.
   • You can store saffron in an airtight container for up to 5 years.
4. Use saffron in recipes. When you're ready to use your saffron, soak the dried stigmas in a hot liquid (such as milk, water, or stock) for 15-20 minutes. Add both the liquid and the stigmas to your recipe. Saffron can be used in rice, soups, sauces, potatoes, pastries and other dishes.
   • Adding the stigmas along with the liquid will add more color and flavor to your food.

Necessities

• Crocus tubers
• Organic matter (compost, leaves or peat)
• Fertilizer
• Water
• Garden tools
• Airtight glass container
• Milk crates
• Weed cloth
• Duct tape
• Topsoil