How to Grow Saffron Crocus: The World's Most Expensive Spice

Saffron is generally considered the most costly gourmet spice in the world. But what may surprise you is that this spice is harvested from a crocus flower!

Beyond its culinary value, the saffron crocus adds a touch of elegant beauty to gardens and landscapes. MIgardener carries saffron crocus in our online store so you can plant this fun, novelty crop at home!

If you are intrigued and ready to grow saffron, this guide will walk you through what you need to know.

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What is Saffron Crocus

Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is a rare and valuable flower known for producing the coveted spice, saffron. This vibrant purple flower has striking crimson stigmas, which are carefully harvested and dried to create the saffron threads used in culinary dishes. 

Just like other flower bulbs planted in the fall, saffron crocus is usually planted in late summer to early autumn. You may hear saffron referred to as an autumn-blooming crocus because they typically bloom anytime from September to January, depending on the climate.

How to Grow Saffron

I find myself planting more and more flowers and herbs each year, especially intercropping them within my vegetable garden. They’re not just added beauty, but they’re beneficial as well. 

Saffron is a perennial that can be grown in hardiness zones 3 to 9, although it is said to do best in zone 5 and above. These step-by-step instructions will help you plant out your saffron correctly: 

1. Sunlight - Saffron bulbs thrive in full sun to partial shade, so ensure the planting area gets 5 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. 

2. Soil - Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches, removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. Well-drained soil is essential! If your soil is compacted or clay, consider amending it with compost to improve soil drainage. 

3. pH - These bulbs prefer a neutral soil pH close to 7.0. Test your soil pH and amend if needed. 

4. Fertilize - Mix in a balanced, slow-release bulb fertilizer or bone meal to the soil to provide the specific nutrients these flowers need and to help with root development. 

5. Bulb Orientation - Saffron bulbs are small and kind of odd-looking, like mini coconuts in the husk. (They are technically corms and not true bulbs.) Plant them with the pointed end facing up and the flat end, where the roots will emerge, pointed down.

6. Planting Depth - Use a small dibbler to make holes and plant the crocus bulbs about 3 inches deep. 

7. Plant Spacing - Space crocus bulbs about 3 inches apart. After placing the bulbs in their respective holes, cover them with soil and gently tamp down. 

8. Watering - Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to help them settle in. Pro-Tip: Saffron crocus prefers a slightly dry, arid climate, much like Mediterranean herbs.

9. Long-Term Care - After harvesting the saffron, don’t cut back the leaves, but allow the leaves to die back naturally so that the bulbs can store energy for next year's blooms. Every three or four years, you may want to dig up and divide the bulbs that have multiplied underground to prevent overcrowding and maintain healthy blooms. 

Harvesting Saffron Threads

Prized for its unique flavor and aroma, this exotic spice can cost up to $5,000 per pound, depending on the quality! That is, at least in part, because it takes a lot of saffron to get a sizeable harvest.

To harvest saffron, pick the delicate flowers when they are in full bloom. The flowers usually only last about a week.

Each flower produces three red stigmas. With your fingers or tweezers, carefully remove the fragile stigmas from each bloom. Place the stigmas on a tray to dry at room temperature out of direct sunlight for several days.

Place your dried saffron threads in a clean, airtight container and store them along with your other spices. It is recommended that you wait at least a month after harvesting to eat saffron so that the flavor can develop.