Back in September I planted 50 saffron crocus bulbs. They were very slow to come up and I was hoping to have saffron to harvest by Thanksgiving but I’m thinking it may be a few weeks after Thanksgiving.
A few of the bulbs didn’t come up . . I can tell by the spacing between them but many of them multiplied and as of yesterday, I have 80 plants poking through the dirt.
Saffron Crocus
Before the 24º night last week, I piled a ground up leaf mulch over them and then covered them with a fabric that is supposed to protect from frost. When I was out raking the mulch away, I realized there were three plants at the end of the row that I hadn’t covered and they don’t seem to have been bothered by the cold so I won’t worry about the crocus if we have more freezing nights. I knew regular crocus would be fine but since saffron crocus were rated for zones 6 – 9, I wasn’t sure.
Frozen Fig
The fig tree didn’t do quite so well with the cold nights. I surely hated to lose this tree . . it was still covered in green figs but hopefully it will come back and do fine in the spring.
Diana in RR, TX says
My saffron crocus is up as well but not starting to push blossoms yet. I did cover mine with a sheet but we didn’t get as cold as you either. I would think the plants are pretty hardy but if it frosts when they are blooming we may not get saffron!
Bev in Colo says
Judy, you are doing such fun things! I had never heard of this but if I knew, I would have tried growing some before I got so old! I could still try some in a pot or two, would have to protect them from the rabbits around here.
Here’s a low carb recipe for you and Vince to try, Chicken w/garlic shallots & saffron. http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art181927.asp
Deb Kuykendall says
I planted saffron crocus ths year but mine is still looking just like yours, Judy. It took forever to come up. We’ve only had a few hours of freezing weather so far. They don’t appear to have been affected by that brief cold snap.
Susan says
So is it a flower if you leave it alone, or just the spice?
Hilary says
It’s a flower,Susan. I’ve never harvested. In fact, how do you harvest? With tweezers? I know its tedious. I’ve never had saffron as I’m not keen on Indian food. It’s upsetting for my tummy. So I’ve always enjoyed the gorgeous flowers. So pretty coming thru the snow. (I wish)
Rebecca in SoCal says
I don’t think of Indian food as much as Spanish or Italian–paella! And cioppino! Yum
Helen Koenig1 says
As I understand it – it isn’t the WHOLE flower – just the stamen – the yellow part in the middle of the flower- that’s all.