25/05/2021
Text: Harvest or Planting ? Let Us know your top pick !
Option 1 : Saffron Planting Season
Recommended planting time: Autumn, early spring. It does best in temperate areas and dry Mediterranean conditions (VIC, SA, drier areas of NSW). It prefers areas with winter / spring rain and dry summers. It is unlikely to be successful in humid, subtropical areas, such as coastal zones north of Sydney and QLD but if you want to give it a try, plant it in a terracotta pot that can be kept fairly dry; be careful not to over-water. It is unsuitable for tropical areas.
Planting depth: Plant with 5 cm of soil covering the bulbs
Plant spacing: Space bulbs 15 cm apart
Growing details: Whilst the bulbs are actively growing keep the soil moist; once dormant, allow the soil to dry out.
Option 2 : Saffron Harvest season
Flowering time is autumn. Stigmas must be harvested straight after the flowers open; each flower will only produce 3 stigmas and each saffron crocus bulb will only produce 1 flower. The flower stigmas are the world's costliest spice. About 50 - 60 saffron flowers are required to produce about 1 tablespoon of saffron spice. After harvesting, dry the stigmas in a dry, sheltered spot for 3-5 days; store in an airtight container.
After flowering care: Simply plant and leave - these bulbs will easily naturalise in the garden.