Saffron is a unique and delicious spice that will create a distinctive flavor for many dishes, such as Spanish paella and bouillabaisse. Saffron is taken from the crocus flower which is easy to grow in areas with temperatures from -23 to -1 °C. Unfortunately, each crocus flower will produce only a small amount of saffron each year, making saffron the most expensive spice in the world.
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Part 1 of 3: Creating Growable Conditions for Saffron
Step 1. Buy crocus heads
The purple-flowered saffron plant grows from the cob of a crocus (which is similar to a bulb). These cobs must be purchased fresh, just before planting. You can buy them online or from your local nursery.
- Crocus heads will grow best in areas with temperatures of -23 to -1 °C.
- Local nurseries in these temperature zones are most likely to have crocus tubers.
Step 2. Find a well-drained, full sun spot to plant crocuses
Choose an area of land that gets a lot of direct sunlight. Dig up the soil to make sure it's not too hard or too dense. Crocus cobs can die if there is too much water. So, the soil must also be able to dry well.
You can hoe the soil before planting the crocuses to loosen them up
Step 3. Mix the soil with organic matter
Hoe where the crocuses will be planted and mix the organic matter 25 cm deep into the soil. You can use compost, peat, or chopped leaves. These organic materials provide nutrients for the crocus cob to grow.
Step 4. Alternatively, plant the cobs in a pot
If rodents or other pests are a common problem in your garden, growing crocuses in containers is a good option. You will need a pot or similar container, weed-blocking cloth, duct tape, and humus.
- Use a container with drainage holes or punch a hole in the container if there isn't one.
- Cover the pot with weed-blocking cloth, then tape it down.
- Fill the pot with compost about 15 cm.
Step 5. Plant the crocus heads
If you live in the subtropics, for best results, plant the cobs 6-8 weeks before the first frost of the season. Depending on the climate in your area (and hemisphere), planting time is around October or November.
Check the calendar or ask your local gardener to determine when is the right time to plant crocus in your area
Part 2 of 3: Growing Crocus Cobs
Step 1. Plant the crocus heads in clusters
Instead of planting them in rows, crocus flowers will grow better in clumps. Plant the crocuses approximately 8 cm from each other and group them into groups of 10-12 heads.
If you use pots, each pot can accommodate 1 group of 10-12 ears
Step 2. Plant the cobs 8-10 cm deep
Use a small shovel to dig a hole 8-10 cm deep. Position the pointed end of the cob facing up and place 1 pongkol in each hole. Cover each cob with soil.
If you are using a container, plant the cobs in the top 15 cm of soil that has been inserted into it. Bury the pods with the soil to a depth of 5 cm
Step 3. Ensure adequate water supply during the crocus growing season
The rainy season is the growing season for crocus heads. During this time, keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
- Water the crocuses 1-2 times a week when the weather is dry.
- Every few times a week, stick 2 fingers into the soil to measure the humidity.
- If there is stagnant water more than a day after watering, water it only once a week.
- If the soil is completely dry (not damp) in a day, water it 3 times a week.
Step 4. Fertilize the crocuses once per season
If you live in an area with a short, warm spring, apply fertilizer in early fall. If you live in an area with long, cold springs, apply fertilizer right after the crocuses flower. Fertilizing will help the crocus head build a strong store of carbohydrates to help it survive into the next year.
Bone meal, compost, or weathered manure are good fertilizer choices
Part 3 of 3: Harvesting Saffron
Step 1. Be patient
Crocus flowers are easy to breed. By nature, this plant is tough and resistant to insects and disease. The only problem is, each pongkol will only produce one flower and each flower will only produce 3 pistils (stigma) of saffron. At the end of the harvest, you will only get a small amount of usable saffron.
- Although crocus flowers should appear within 6-8 weeks of planting, sometimes they don't appear until the following season, a full year after the cocoons are planted.
- In some cases, crocus planted in the spring can produce flowers in the fall.
Step 2. Pick the pistil from each crocus flower
In each center of the purple crocus flower, there are 3 reddish-orange pistils. Wait for a sunny day when the flowers are in full bloom and carefully pluck the pistil from each crocus flower with your fingers.
Step 3. Dry and store the saffron
After all the pistils are carefully picked, place them on a paper towel, in a warm, dry place. Let stand for 1-3 days until completely dry.
- Dried saffron can be stored in a cool, dry place.
- You can store saffron in an airtight container for up to 5 years.
Step 4. Use saffron in the recipe
When you are using saffron, dip the dried pistil in a hot liquid (such as milk, water, or stock) for 15-20 minutes. Add the liquid and pistils to the recipe. Saffron can be used in rice, soups, sauces, potatoes, baked goods, and other dishes.
