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Saffron

BobFlannigonBobFlannigon Posts: 619
in Plants

Hi,  

Does anyone grow their own saffron (Crocus Sativus)?  I wondered if it's a viable and easy thing to do in this country or if it's just a gimmick to increase bulb sales?

Obviously it's quite expensive to buy saffron from a supermarket!

Thanks!

Posts

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    It was once a major crop in some areas and is how Saffron Walden got its name.   Worth having a go I should think.  You could certainly grow enough for your needs.   Harvest with tweezers!

    Apparently someone has recently started commercial cultivation again - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/agriculture/farming/11212315/Putting-saffron-back-into-Saffron-Walden.html

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307

    You do need to be somewhere warm for the crocus to grow from one year to the next. The corms  need heat ripening after flowering otherwise they do not re-flower.

  • MuddyForkMuddyFork Posts: 435

    I grow Saffron and after 3 years have become self sufficient but I don't use much.  It doesn't take up match space is not difficult to grow, the bulbs need to be dug up every 2/3 years to resolve.

  • BobFlannigonBobFlannigon Posts: 619

    So do you think, Berghill, it's a necessity to dig them up and store them somewhere hot after they've been harvested?  Do you have any idea of the amount of heat required?

    That's quite a nice story, Obelixx.  I guess it's hard to tell what effort they have to go through to make it a viable product, such as digging up and heat-ripening.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090

    Interesting about the heat treatment.   Muddyfork doesn't say he uses special techniques.  Maybe if you grow it in a trough or raised bed where the soil is warmer and well drained that would answer your needs.  I can't honestly see a whole, ancient industry digging up and heating the bulbs each year for agricultural purposes pre-industrial age.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307

    No need to dig them up, just plant somewhere where the soil gets a good sun baking in Spring and Summer. Sadly they just die out here for us as we are too cold in Spring.

  • BobFlannigonBobFlannigon Posts: 619

    Thanks for your comments.  I shall give it a go.

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    SPAM :)



    In the sticks near Peterborough
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