How to grow saffron

La plant and the flower of the saffron they arise from a bulb (crocus sativus) which has a fundamental quality: it can easily withstand very high temperatures in summer (up to 40 degrees) and very low temperatures in winter (minus 15 degrees). Furthermore, for a more than satisfactory harvest for home use, 200-300 bulbs are sufficient to grow throughout the year.

Saffron can be grown, provided its needs are taken into consideration: plenty of light, well-drained soil without stagnation, and bulbs with a diameter of at least 2-3 centimeters.

Index of topics

The terrain

To begin with, since this is a bulbous crop, carefully evaluate the soil before starting cultivation: it is essential that it is well-drained, but without stagnant water, as this could damage the quality of the bulbs. Also remove any stones and keep in mind that the ideal pH for saffron is between 6 and 8.

The bulbs

Once the soil is prepared, you can start growing by planting the bulbs. When purchasing, make sure they haven't been affected by fungi. Furthermore, they should be at least 2-3 centimeters in diameter.

The bulbs should be planted at a depth of about 10-12 centimetres and should be spaced at least 10-15 centimetres apart.

The ideal months for growing saffron are July and September. The bulbs can remain in the same soil for 5–6 years, but every 3–4 years it's a good idea to dig them up, divide them, and replant. To produce 1 gram of dried saffron, you need about 150–200 flowers, so it's a demanding crop but very profitable if done with care.

Watering

Once you have planted all the bulbs, remember that saffron does not require much water.

Bulbs typically take about 3-4 months to mature: only after this time can you begin harvesting the first flowers, the so-called pistils. Harvesting takes place from late September to October.

Collection

To properly harvest the pistils, remember to detach them directly from the stem as soon as the purple flowers open. It's best to do this early in the morning: the value of this spice lies precisely in its cultivation and harvesting methods.

Once harvested, let them dry in the sun. It's up to you whether to grind them or leave them whole.

Food container

Once harvested, wrap the threads in a paper towel and place them in the sun to dry thoroughly. Then, place them in an airtight glass container and store in a dry place, where your saffron will last for a very long time.

Cultivation in pots

If you decide to grow saffron in a pot, the bulb must reach a depth of between 5 and 10 centimetres.

Each bulb should be spaced at least 5 centimeters apart: a dozen bulbs per pot is more than sufficient. Saffron needs plenty of sun (and the pot's position should reflect this) and little water, so it's best to make sure that water doesn't stagnate in the saucers.