Comments on: How to grow saffron crocus

By: Jessica Walliser

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 17:16:56 +0000

In reply to LeahRR.

Using bulb cages or surrounding the bulbs with a DIY cage of hardware cloth are the best ways to keep critters from eating the bulbs. I’ve also experimented with surrounding the bulbs with crushed oyster shells with success. Small mammals don’t like to dig through their sharp edges.

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By: LeahRR

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:18:40 +0000

If I use the mesh bag or baskets, will the moles/voles/chipmunks eat the flowers or dig down after the corms? The critters decimated my unprotected saffron bed.

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By: Tim

Sat, 12 Nov 2022 19:59:48 +0000

We grow saffron in Northwest Ohio, 100 bulbs this past fall gave us about 2.5 grams of saffron after harvest. Heavy clay soil amended with compost from goat and chicken droppings and bedding. We’re waiting for the frost to dig up the bulbs and separate them, hoping to increase the harvest next year.

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By: KRISTINA R KNUTILA

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 02:31:26 +0000

After reading your directions I think I would like to try to do this this spring and have them ready for the fall. I thank you for the interesting tips and I hope it works out for me. Tina

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By: Jessica Walliser

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 16:47:10 +0000

In reply to Carol.

I would put the crate in a protected area that stays just above freezing. An unheated garage or root cellar would be best. Water every six weeks and move back outdoors in the spring. They won’t show their faces until the following fall, but that should show them safely through the winter.

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By: Carol

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 13:54:40 +0000

Does anyone have detailed instructions on how to container saffron. I live in Denver. Planted in milk crate. Don’t know how to deal with winter. Pull in garage. Water. Any light. Planted oct 3

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By: Jessica Walliser

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 21:33:56 +0000

In reply to Cathy.

Not that we know of.

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By: Cathy

Fri, 07 Jun 2019 20:20:20 +0000

My mother used to grow saffron, but I don’t remember purple crocus flowers. The orange threads were very similar. Is there any other flower that you use the threads from that is similar to saffron?

Thanks, Cathy

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By: Eli Hutfles

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 01:32:22 +0000

In reply to Dennis.

My crocuses and other bulb flowers quit blooming after a year or two because of a high clay content in the soil, so incorporating compost into their soil helps.

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By: Jessica Walliser

Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:12:48 +0000

In reply to Dennis.

Hi Dennis. You could use any bulb-specific fertilizer on your saffron crocus, but if they haven’t bloomed in a while, it’s probably time to dig them up and divide them. Saffron crocus seem to need divided more frequently than some other bulbs. Also, maybe they need a bit more sun?

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