{"id":14769,"date":"2021-05-20T02:32:23","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T06:32:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/?p=14769"},"modified":"2021-05-20T03:43:03","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T07:43:03","slug":"growing-saffron-crocus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing Saffron Crocus: Planting, Care And Use"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It is the most expensive spice in the world &#8211; saffron. We will show you whether and how you can grow this extraordinary spice in your own garden. Saffron ( <em>Crocus sativus<\/em> ) is not only used to flavor dishes but also to refine them. A single gram of the valuable spice costs 10 to 20 euros, depending on the quality. The autumn crocus also thrives in our latitudes, even if it cannot be harvested often. We give tips on planting, caring for, and using the saffron crocus.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Saffron_Crocus_Origin_And_Properties\"><\/span>Saffron Crocus: Origin And Properties<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6616b3180af99\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6616b3180af99\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#Saffron_Crocus_Origin_And_Properties\" title=\"Saffron Crocus: Origin And Properties\">Saffron Crocus: Origin And Properties<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#Growing_saffron\" title=\"Growing saffron\">Growing saffron<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#The_right_location_for_saffron\" title=\"The right location for saffron\">The right location for saffron<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#Planting_saffron\" title=\"Planting saffron\">Planting saffron<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#Maintain_saffron_crocus\" title=\"Maintain saffron crocus\">Maintain saffron crocus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#Propagate_saffron\" title=\"Propagate saffron\">Propagate saffron<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#Hibernate_saffron_crocus\" title=\"Hibernate saffron crocus\">Hibernate saffron crocus<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/growing-saffron-crocus\/#Saffron_as_a_Spice_Use_and_Ingredients\" title=\"Saffron as a Spice: Use and Ingredients\">Saffron as a Spice: Use and Ingredients<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The perennial saffron crocus from the Iridaceae family has its origin in the Aegean Sea. It is mainly grown in warm Mediterranean regions and the Middle East. Saffron came about by chance from a mutation of the related crocus species <em>Crocus cartwrightianus.<\/em> On the one hand, larger flowers developed, on the other hand, significantly longer and larger stylus threads on which the stigmas are located. It is precisely these characteristic, long, deep red saffron threads that are relevant for saffron cultivation.<\/p>\n<p>They contain a slightly bitter, spicy saffron aroma and a strong coloring power. These saffron threads form during the flowering of the purple autumn crocus from October to November. However, the sensitive styles cannot tolerate temperatures below 15 \u00b0 C, and so the saffron spice can actually only be harvested in very mild wine-growing regions. In all other areas, however, it is worth planting saffron simply because of its ornamental value, the low maintenance requirements, and the late flowering period, which reminds us of the past crocus bloom in spring.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14806\" src=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Saffron-is-a-species-of-autumn-crocus-and-blooms-from-October.jpg\" alt=\"Saffron is a species of autumn crocus and blooms from October\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Saffron-is-a-species-of-autumn-crocus-and-blooms-from-October.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Saffron-is-a-species-of-autumn-crocus-and-blooms-from-October-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Saffron-is-a-species-of-autumn-crocus-and-blooms-from-October-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growing_saffron\"><\/span>Growing saffron<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Growing the precious saffron plant is not easy because it places high demands on its location. The cultivation of the expensive spice can, in individual cases, also be successful in sheltered and warm locations in our home gardens. To be able to harvest a considerable amount at all, however, around 150 flowers would have to be grown for 1 g of dried saffron threads.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_right_location_for_saffron\"><\/span>The right location for saffron<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Saffron plants prefer dry, sunny locations on loose, sandy, and calcareous soils. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs, otherwise, the tubers and roots rot quickly in the earth. Whether in a pot or bed, the saffron crocus prefers to be sheltered from the wind and warm. This increases the chance of being able to harvest the stylus threads in autumn. For this purpose, the autumn crocus needs constant temperatures of around 15 \u00b0 C during flower formation, even in September and October.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Planting_saffron\"><\/span>Planting saffron<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Saffron is only propagated vegetatively, so small saffron tubers are planted directly in the ground. The small tubers can be planted directly in the ground or a pot from July to the end of August. For the cultivation of saffron in the pot, the planter should be sufficiently large, this makes fertilization easier later. The pot should hold at least 10 liters for a single tuber that also multiplies underground in late autumn and forms daughter tubers. Nutrient-rich potting soil is particularly recommended for potting.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of climate-damaging peat, we recommend soil with a high compost content that stores moisture and provides nutrients over the long term. The potting soil should be enriched to at least 30% with sand, perlite, lava fragments, or coarsely broken bricks. A drainage layer of at least \u00bc the height of the pot should be filled in at the bottom of the pot. Broken bricks, expanded clay, or pebbles, for example, are suitable for this.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14807\" src=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/The-saffron-crocus-can-be-planted-about-15-cm-deep-from-July-to-the-end-of-August.jpg\" alt=\"The saffron crocus can be planted about 15 cm deep from July to the end of August\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/The-saffron-crocus-can-be-planted-about-15-cm-deep-from-July-to-the-end-of-August.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/The-saffron-crocus-can-be-planted-about-15-cm-deep-from-July-to-the-end-of-August-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/The-saffron-crocus-can-be-planted-about-15-cm-deep-from-July-to-the-end-of-August-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The saffron tubers are placed at a depth of 15 cm, whereby the plant tubers should be about 15 cm apart. To protect the tubers from voles, a vole basket can also be used when planting.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Maintain_saffron_crocus\"><\/span>Maintain saffron crocus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>After planting, the saffron does not initially need any watering, because the tubers contain enough water for root formation and budding. In the further culture, occasional watering in extreme heat and drought in late summer September is sufficient to supply the tuber for the energy-sapping flower formation. In the rest period from May to August, the saffron does not want to be watered at all, because it now has neither leaves nor flowers.<\/p>\n<p>If saffron is cultivated in pots, an annual dose of mainly organic slow-release fertilizer, provides the necessary nutrients for a splendid bloom and strong green leaves. The fertilizer can either be introduced each spring when repotting or simply worked flat into the surface of the potting soil with a fork. Even when growing in natural soil, some organic fertilizer can be buried in spring.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You might so like<\/strong>: <a class=\"yoast-link-suggestion__value\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/ranunculus-flower\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ranunculus Flower (The Persian Buttercup): Plants, Care And Hardy Varieties<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The saffron should be relocated or repotted about every three to five years. Digging and moving should be done during the rest period from April to September. The chive-like leaves remain in place in winter and, depending on the temperature and weather, do not move in until April.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e4e4ca;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#fefee4;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">Tip: The saffron plant is perennial and will delight you for many years with good care. However, it is also self-intolerant. There should be a 10-year break in cultivation in the same area before new saffron is planted.<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Propagate_saffron\"><\/span>Propagate saffron<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The approximately 10 to 15 cm high iris family has a triple set of chromosomes due to its unusual genetic origin and is therefore sterile, so it cannot form germinable seeds. Saffron cannot, therefore, be propagated through seeds, because there are no saffron seeds at all. The only possibility of propagation is via daughter tubers. After the saffron bloom in late autumn, the crocus forms vegetatively small tubers that have the same genetic material, i.e. they are natural clones of the mother plant. After the foliage has died in April, they can be dug up and repositioned one by one. If the conditions are good, the number of daughter tubers doubles every year and so the saffron can be multiplied quickly.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hibernate_saffron_crocus\"><\/span>Hibernate saffron crocus<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The relatively hardy saffron crocus tolerates temperatures down to -10 \u00b0 C in the soil, at lower temperatures it becomes critical. A cover made of fir branches or a thick layer of leaves can provide additional protection against cold temperatures. Saffron bulbs planted in pots should be wintered in the house frost-free, but absolutely cool and with only a few waterings.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-14808\" src=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Daughter-tubers-from-around-the-mother-tuber-and-can-be-transplanted-from-May-to-August.jpg\" alt=\"Daughter tubers from around the mother tuber and can be transplanted from May to August\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Daughter-tubers-from-around-the-mother-tuber-and-can-be-transplanted-from-May-to-August.jpg 750w, https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Daughter-tubers-from-around-the-mother-tuber-and-can-be-transplanted-from-May-to-August-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Daughter-tubers-from-around-the-mother-tuber-and-can-be-transplanted-from-May-to-August-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Saffron_as_a_Spice_Use_and_Ingredients\"><\/span>Saffron as a Spice: Use and Ingredients<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Saffron has a strong flavoring and coloring power, so it should only be used in moderation when cooking. The threads contain the three main components crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal. The latter is largely responsible for the typically smoky-spicy taste of saffron. Crocin and other vegetable dyes, such as xanthophylls and carotenoids, color rice and pasta dishes, liqueurs, cosmetics, and baked goods, for example, sun yellow.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You might so like<\/strong>: <a class=\"yoast-link-suggestion__value\" href=\"https:\/\/gardender.com\/farmer-orchids-plants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Farmer Orchids: Plants, Care, And Varieties<\/a><\/p>\n<p>If overdose, however, the bitter substances contained in saffron quickly emerge and a daily dose of 1.5 grams can lead to hallucinations, cramps, and even death. This amount is never exceeded if the saffron is only used as a spice in the kitchen. In folk medicine, the expensive spice is used as a remedy to this day. The effect of saffron is mood-enhancing, calming, digestive, and anti-feverish and it is an important component of the Swedish herb elixirs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e4e4ca;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#fefee4;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><strong>Tip<\/strong>: saffron is slightly poisonous. In the tubers of saffron, just like in the stigma of the flower, there are inedible substances. The plants should therefore not be consumed.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>If the planting and care are successful, the autumn crocus rewards us in October with its deep purple flowers and the pretty saffron threads. If you are lucky and have a very green thumb, it will then be time for the saffron harvest and the subsequent drying and storage. Find out more about this in our special article.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is the most expensive spice in the world &#8211; saffron. We will show you whether and how you can grow this extraordinary spice in your own garden. Saffron ( Crocus sativus ) is not only used to flavor dishes but also to refine them. A single gram of the valuable spice costs 10 to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":14809,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14769"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14769"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14769\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14769"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14769"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardender.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14769"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}