Saffron

I've just been having a look and yep, no named varieties, just Crocus Savitus? Does that make much of a difference to you?

 

I tried growing these bulbs a few years ago from some we got from our local Wyvale GC and as the picture on the front of the packet showed big mauve flowers on a long stem with bright red stamens,couldn't resist splashing out on some.

I followed the instructions to the letter and decided to grow them in my greenhouse rather than chuck them in the clay soil in our garden where they would get noshed by the usual slimey culprits.

Anyway,I watered them carefully and watched and waited and they did eventually put in a appearance (autumn) but I must say they were not that brilliant as the stems grew tall and I did in fact get the flowers but they soon went over before I had a chance to collect the elusive saffron.After they had died down I kept them dry like normal crocus bulbs but when I came to repot them later on in the year,there was nothing left of them and they had appeared to have shrunk down to nothing and all I was left with was the little sleeve covering that goes around the corms.

So that was the end of that little experiment and surface it to say have never tried again because they were a bit too expensive to keep losing.

Good luck Zigs if you do get some and let us know how you get on.

 

I have this morning just received a seed catalogue from Parkers don't know why as I have never purchased anything from them But..They have Saffron Crocus (Sativus)75 for £13.98, Think I might give them a go in a large Patio pot.

 

I reckon they can be found for cheaper than £17.93. Perhaps we can get @Scrungee on the search?

 

Try signing up for Parker's newsletter and follow them on Twitter account and you might get a code for money off/free P&P.

 

Have you considered Cucamelons Zigs

 

Squirrels just love the bulbs! Think they are gourmets around here!
Planted £24 worth year before last ...... which the squirrels scoffed and £10 worth last year protected but not enough.....
Thinking of trying to grow them inside on a cold windowsill next time - just don't know if its worth the effort and expense.

 

Hi Pixie,

According to Wiki,

 

Okay, then that is Saffron of L'Aquila, Italy in Abruzzo. I should have been there this summer. You need to go on holiday to Abruzzo then. L'Aquila is not far from Rome and was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2009. Mountainous area and is situated on one side of the Gran Sasso Mountains, so obviously very cold hardy, as l'Aquila is on the coldest side of the mountain. I had no idea they grew Saffron there. You learn something new everyday! Apparently named 'Navelli' Saffron, but known now more commonly as Aquila Saffron.

 

I know where that is Not sure my Italiano is up to negotiating though

 

Crocus sativus
30 bulbs £10
60 bulbs £14.99
£4.99 delivery charge per order
Suttons seeds

 

bees

 

Can I make £20k a year from them Spruce?

 

Following up Adendoll's post, but I'm sure you'll be able to buy in bulk from somewhere at a cheaper cost.

http://seeds.suttons.co.uk/search#w=saffron crocus bulbs

You'll have to move to Saffron Walden Zigs and get them growing again there! It's a pretty area.