In the United States, the best time to plant saffron crocus is in July.

Saffron crocuses can be grown in zones 5-9, but many growers say the soil conditions are more important than the hardiness zones.

Growing Saffron Crocus in a Hoop House.

The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus L) grows from a small rounded corm (similar to a bulb). How To Grow Saffron. Step 2: Decide on a planting style: Step 3: To plant, dig a hole 2-4" deep for each bulb. Plant bulb pointy side up. Saffron crocus can also be cultivated in containers or pots on the patio. A sheltered, warm, sunny position is required and when the plants are dormant soils that dry out are necessary to prevent … Green Harvest provides growing information for edible and useful plants in the organic and permaculture garden. You can grow saffron in deep containers outdoors in cooler climates. Saffron is famous for being the world's most expensive spice, and for being almost literally worth its weight in gold. Crocus of any sort will rot if planted in wet soil, so planting saffron crocuses inside will ensure the bulb or corms do not rot. But the real show stopper is the three fiery-red stigmas which carry the ‘scent of ambrosia’. Crocus bulbs are small and have a slightly rounded top. If you are planting Saffron Crocus bulbs to harvest the stamens to cook with, you will want to do this once they begin blooming. However, you must bring the containers into heated greenhouses or other sunny, warm spaces to overwinter safely. Bob Roberts, a farmer and environmentalist in Northern Vermont, donated his land and hoop house to UVM researchers to grow the saffron corms. Saffron crocus is grown in countries like Iran, India, Afghanistan, Italy, France, New Zealand, Pennsylvania, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Morocco, Turkey and some parts of China. Grow Saffron as an Annual. Grow Saffron as an Annual. You can grow saffron in deep containers outdoors in cooler climates. You can use it immediately in the fresh form, or dry it for later use. Growing in a container that is placed out of the rain in summer will ensure the best results. How to Grow and Care for Crocus in Containers. Plant saffron bulbs 3-4 inches deep, and 3-4 inches apart. Growing Saffron Crocus. Since this plant is propagated in different parts of the world, planting techniques of the saffron cultivation may differ too, depending on the climate, the type of soil, depth of planting and spacing of corms. Saffron Crocus (Crocus sativus) create quick jewel-toned flowers in the fall garden in about 6-10 weeks (sometimes as little as 4-6 weeks) after being planted. Bob is particularly excited about saffron's potential ability to cure disease. Also, the soil in your containers must remain moist but not water-logged at all times. The true spice saffron is the species, Crocus sativus. You can also … Best Times For Planting. The flowers are bold and beautiful. They can be planted in the garden in zones 6-10 or can be used in containers on a patio or grown indoors. As mid-November passes, the last purple drifts of saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) fade in the garden. deep in clay or plastic pots filled with a well-drained soil mix, and then set the pots directly in the ground, with the rims about 2 inches below the soil surface, so the pots don't show. Also, the soil in your containers must remain moist but not water-logged at all times. Hydroponic production where we have control over basic nutrition and supplements and indoors where temperature, light and the growing environment can be manipulated, give the potential for some extremely high quality saffron to be grown. Start by planting several bulbs to a pot in the fall, all about 3 inches apart. Step 1: Plant bulbs as soon as possible after receiving them. The soil is made up of sand (harvested from the edge of our pond), combined with compost and a bit of peat moss. Although they are known for flowering in the spring, select species bloom in the autumn or the winter. However, you must bring the containers into heated greenhouses or other sunny, warm spaces to overwinter safely. Crocus plants can be grown in the garden or you can put this crocus bulb in containers. The saffron thrived in that light growing medium. In zones 3 and 4, saffron can be planted in pots and overwintered indoors. Growing Saffron Crocus Flowers in the Garden. Saffron Crocus are flowering bulbs that produce a spice with a colour and superb flavour Intro: The beautiful crocus flower comes in many colors, including blue, purple, light orange, yellow and white, and it has thin, grasslike leaves.