Saffron Crocus

Saffron has always been one of the most expensive spices and it is believed that humans have been using saffron from the time of the ancient Greeks. According to archaeological evidence, it's been 3000 years, since we humans started cultivating saffron. Earlier, the wild variety of saffron called Crocus cartwrightianus was used for cultivation. It was during the late Bronze Age, that the current variety of saffron, called Saffron crocus was developed.

What Exactly is Saffron

We all know that saffron is a spice, which is derived from the saffron plant. The saffron plant, which is known as saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), belongs to the genus Crocus in the iris family Iridaceae. The spice called saffron, which is used for culinary purposes, is the style and stigma of the flowers of the saffron plant. The style and stigma are portions of the female reproductive part of a flower. A style is a stalk, that has an ovary in one end and the stigma on the other end. In case of the saffron crocus, each flower has three stigmas, which are red or orange in color. These stigmas along with the styles are harvested and dried. This dried product is called saffron, which is used for various purposes, especially as a spice. As a spice, saffron is mainly used as a coloring agent or for seasoning. It imparts a golden-yellow hue to the dishes. Apart from that, saffron is also used as a dye and for medicinal purposes. The high price of saffron may be due to the fact that only three stamens are obtained from one saffron crocus flower and it needs around one kilogram of flowers to make one ounce of saffron. Apart from that, a major part of saffron production is done manually.

Saffron Crocus Care

Growing this plant is beneficial in two ways. It can be an inexpensive way to get saffron and apart from that, they are the first plants to bloom in fall and produce flowers throughout the season. The lavender-colored flowers can be a beautiful addition to your flower garden.

• These plants can be grown from bulbs or corms. As most of the current varieties are hybrids, you may not get seeds of this plant. But, purchase corms from reputed sellers only. Make sure that you are buying a saffron crocus variety (like Crocus sativus cashmirianus) only and not autumn meadow crocuses.
• The right time for planting these bulbs is late spring or early summer. You may also plant the corms or bulbs during the onset of fall, but, it will sprout the following spring only.
• Prepare the soil with organic material like adding compost, leaves or grass clippings to the soil. Saffron crocus plants need full sun and well-drained soil for a healthy growth. The soil must not get soggy and the plant must be protected from wind.
• Once you are ready with the location of planting, plant the corms in holes, which are at least four inches in depth. Always remember to plant these corms with their roots facing downwards. Keep a distance of six inches between the holes.
• If the location is likely to be frequented by rodents, it will be better to cover the area with a mesh enclosure, so that your corms are not eaten by the animals.
• During summer, the soil must be dry, as these plants become dormant in this season. The leaves and flowers develop during fall and during this season, you have to keep the soil moist (not soggy) through occasional watering.
• The flowering period may last for one month and during this time, a single application of liquid fertilizer is recommended. Continue with occasional watering till the onset of spring, as the leaves start withering during this time.
• During cold climates, dig out the corms and store them in a cold, dark place. Plant these corms again during late spring or early summer.

This is only a brief overview about saffron crocus. If you are interested in these plants, you may grow them and enjoy the benefits.