Saffron

[Jennifer]

Has anyone on here had any experience in growing their own saffron. I just wondered how difficult the crocuses are to grow well and whether you feel it is worth the effort.
Any info gratefully appreciated.
Jennifer.

[Garlic_Guy]

Yes, I tried a couple of years ago. I was given some bulbs as a birthday present and bought some more (quite expensive ones) from www.rareplants.co.uk/

I did get some saffron the first year (minute quantities) but obviously didn't look after the plants well enough afterwards. Since then, they've produced leaves but no more flowers.

I think that unless you can find a cheap source of bulbs and grow a significant quantity, this will remain a fun but expensive way of getting saffron. The bulbs at the site above are between £3-5 each. My local indian shop sells packs of a handfull of dried saffron for less!

[Jennifer]

Thanks Garlic Guy. I saw saffron on the Thomas Etty website. They are selling bulbs at 25 for £8.50 which may be expensive for ordinary crocus bulbs but nothing like the prices on the website above. Also they are a different species to any on that website as far as I can tell. These are autumn flowering so I think it is probably a bit late to start them off now for this year. I think a bit more investigating may be called for.
jennifer

[peter]

Used to be a common crop round here.

Saffron Walden.