Thompson & Morgan Saffron Crocus Sativus Flower Bulbs - Pack Of 80

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices you can buy – worth more per gram than gold itself! Th...

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HomebaseThompson And Morgan Crocus Saffron Sativus Planting Bulb 80 Pack
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wilkoThompson and Morgan Crocus Sativus Saffron Bulbs 80 Pack Purple for Garden Borders and Patio Containers
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B&QB&Q - Saffron Crocus Sativus Flower Bulbs For PlantingPack Of 80 Bulbs
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Robert DyasThompson & Morgan - Crocus Sativus - Saffron Bulbs - 80 Pack - Purple
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Product Information

Full details

The Thompson & Morgan Saffron Crocus Sativus is an ideal choice for both culinary enthusiasts looking to harvest their own premium spice and gardeners seeking vibrant autumn color. These bulbs produce stunning purple flowers that provide a high-value harvest of orange-red stigmas for cooking; however, prospective growers must ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent bulb rot during the dormant season.

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Model Part NumberKJ2289
BrandThompson & Morgan

Extended Product Information

FAQs

When should I plant Saffron Crocus bulbs?

These bulbs should be planted in the autumn to ensure they are established before their blooming period.

Can I grow these in pots?

Yes, Saffron Crocus thrives in containers, provided the container has good drainage holes and you use a gritty, well-draining potting mix.

How many flowers do I need to produce a gram of saffron?

Saffron is highly concentrated; you will need to harvest stigmas from approximately 150 to 200 flowers to produce one gram of dried saffron spice.

What is the best way to dry the saffron threads?

Place the fresh stigmas in a single layer on a paper towel in a warm, dark area with good airflow until they are brittle to the touch.

Do I need to dig them up after flowering?

No, they can be left in the ground to naturalize, provided the soil remains well-drained during their dormant summer period.

Troubleshooting

Bulbs failing to emerge in autumn

Check if the soil was waterlogged; if the bulbs rotted due to poor drainage, they will not sprout. Ensure future plantings are in well-drained, gritty soil.

Flowers appearing smaller than expected

Crocus may require a balanced liquid fertilizer in the early stages of growth to encourage stronger blooms, or they may be planted too densely.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High-value spice yield from home-grown flowers
  • Beautiful purple aesthetic for autumn gardens
  • Versatile planting options for pots or landscapes
  • Compact size is ideal for small gardens and rockeries

Cons

  • Requires well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging
  • Harvesting stigmas is a delicate, labor-intensive process
  • Bloom time is limited to the autumn season

Setup, Compatibility & Care

To ensure success with your Thompson & Morgan Saffron Crocus, follow these guidelines for planting and maintenance:

  1. Soil Preparation: Choose a site with well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in grit or horticultural sand to improve drainage.
  2. Planting Depth: Plant bulbs at a depth of 10cm (4 inches) to protect them from temperature fluctuations.
  3. Spacing: Space bulbs approximately 7cm (3 inches) apart to allow for airflow and growth.
  4. Sunlight: Position them in a spot that receives full sun to encourage the most vibrant blooms and healthy stigma development.
  5. Care: Avoid overwatering. Since these are autumn-flowering, they require moisture during the growing phase but must stay relatively dry during the dormant summer period. Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged.

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