This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Saffron crocus
Smiffy3
Posts: 14
in Fruit & veg
I use a lot of saffron, usually buy it when I go abroad as it seems to be so much cheaper than here. We don't go abroad so much now and I wondered how easy it is to grow here. I have seen crocus sativus corms at a reasonable price, and wondered if anyone has grown it and is it worth it?
Thanks as always for your expert help
0
Posts
I lived in Saffron Walden for some years. I couldn't grow it. I've tried several times, then and now. I had 3 flowers once and never seen again.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Hey ho, just have to tell the OH it's about time we booked a wee holiday in the sun,
Thanks for all your replies, before I spent money on corms xx
Actually they do grow saffron commercially in Saffron Walden these days. (Which is not the same as saying that it's easily done, of course.)
I guess central Scotland isn't the ideal place then! Pansyface, that's not my idea of a holiday! I prefer to let others do the hard work! aster2, I've never seen saffron on sale that was grown in the uk, I'll have to research that.
Still think I need a wee holiday to stock up, I love buying herbs and spices in European markets, seems so much more exciting than picking a jar up in Morrisons.
Thanks for all your responses
who's growing it in Saffron Walden Aster? Is it indoors or out?
In the sticks near Peterborough
I read an article a year or two ago, about a young lady (and, I think, her mother) who started growing saffron (outdoors) and was doing well commercially, but I can't find anything about her online. But there's David Smale in Saffron Walden: http://www.englishsaffron.co.uk/
Smiffy, I expect you know this, but if you do decide to grow saffron after all, make absolutely certain the bulbs are from a reputable supplier, there's a similar-looking plant that's poisonous.
interesting Aster, Thank you
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thank you aster, will go there right now
I noticed Crocus the company advertising it in their latest junk mail. I do wish they'd not tempt people with it without explaining that it hardly grows like weeds!