Saffron

[Anita Plot]

I have, for some time, been toying with the idea of growing saffron. Having read the James Wong article in GYO I am now thinking more seriously about it. I can only find 4 recipes which include saffron and am wondering what other growers use it for.
Also not sure how many plants to do. Only 2 of us

I will be V interested to hear your comments

I thank you

[mothhawk]

Saffron is a type of crocus, so for each crocus corm you will only get one flower, or possibly two, and each flower will only contain 3 stamens, the saffron "threads". So, not a lot of saffron per plant. I have had saffron crocus for ten years or so and in that time they have not multiplied at all, I still have the same 5 corms. So it depends how much you intend to use it as to how many corms you need to plant.

edit - being sweet toothed, I generally put mine in caaaaaaaake!

[Kirk]

I would check the growing conditions required for saffron crocus. Think they require a well drained soil and need "baking" during the summer (Dry and hot but in a sandy type soil). Only mention it as your signature say Wigan and not sure how successful you will be.

[veggiechicken]

I've just had this from Suttons. 30 corms for £9.99 - I'm tempted but don't know where I'd plant them Saffron Crocus Bulbs - James Wong Homegrown Revolution Seeds and Book - Vegetable Seeds - Gardening - Suttons Seeds and Plants

[hollychap]

does it add flavour or just colour ?

[Vince G]

James Wong seeds don't have a great reputation. I know this from experience and also from this thread

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...eds_70201.html

[Polytastic]

Well someone gave me a small pack of these and I decided to plant them in an old stone pot that had lost its previous inhabitant. I wasn't sure what to do so just left them in there and watered when they looked too dry. The total so far is eight and all looking really strong (the minute I have posted this they will hear me and begin to die!) The largest is about 2.5 - 3 inches high. My problem is about what to do from here lol but they do seem to like their sunshine on the patio so just leaving them there to see unless any of you grapes have experience in this field?

Saffron is very good in rice dishes as well to delicately flavour sweet ones. I have used it but never grown it before.

Good luck

[ado]

does it add flavour or just colour ?

Both.

Iranian food uses a lot in rice dishes. You can also make it go further by grinding a small amount up along with some sugar in a pestle and mortar.

[shona_b]

saffron - paella is my main use

[rustylady]

Some recipes using saffron here Best Saffron Recipes - Allrecipes.com

[scarey55]

... The total so far is eight and all looking really strong (the minute I have posted this they will hear me and begin to die!)

Teehee, that is exactly the sort of thing mine would do

The largest is about 2.5 - 3 inches high. My problem is about what to do from here lol but they do seem to like their sunshine on the patio so just leaving them there to see unless any of you grapes have experience in this field?

I think you just pick the 3 red stamen from the plant and dry them on a piece of kitchen paper. Mine didn't seem to need much water, in fact, if you look here you will see that they managed to flower without water or, indeed, soil

[Anita Plot]

Thank you all for your advice. Not sure Wigan is the best place to grow this now.

[Kirk]

Stick them in a nice sized pot and see how they get on. That way you supply a soil mix to whatever proportions required and you should manage reasonable drainage. Place the pot in a fairly sunny location as well.

[Shorty2506]

Apart from James Wong seeds, where else can it be purchased from? I read the article as was thinking of giving it a go, but 30 is a bit too much!!

[rustylady]

Here you go Shorty Buy saffron crocus bulbs Crocus sativus: Delivery by Crocus.co.uk

By the way, Welcome to the Vine. Whereabouts are you?