Saffron Corms

Description

• Premium Quality: Our saffron corms are sourced for their exceptional vigor and purity, promising a high yield of the coveted saffron threads.
• Ideal for Planting: Each corm is perfectly sized and ready for planting in well-drained soil. With proper care, these corms will thrive in a sunny spot and bring beauty to your garden.
• Rich Harvest: Expect lush, purple blooms in the fall, followed by the delicate red stigmas that are hand-harvested for saffron. Enjoy a personal supply of this gourmet spice that’s renowned for its flavor and color.
• Versatile Growth: Suitable for a variety of climates, these corms are hardy and resilient, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Sustainable Choice: By growing your own saffron, you not only enjoy fresher spice but also contribute to sustainable gardening practices.

Why grow Saffron?

Saffron, the world’s most expensive spice, is a versatile crop that can be grown in many climates. New Zealand has a growing reputation for growing high quality Saffron.

Demand for Saffron is high and prices remain strong. Saffron’s traditional uses as a highly prized spice and a natural dye remain strong while new uses for Saffron are emerging which leverage the medical and health benefits of Saffron.

For growers looking to diversify their businesses and increase their profitability, saffron is an excellent option.

You can find more information on the history and benefits of Saffron here – https://peonies.nz/saffron/

How to Grow Saffron

Saffron is a perennial crop that can be grown in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. The corms should be planted in the summer, and the plants will begin to grow in Autumn.

• Plant 10cm deep x 10cm wide in full sun situation or in pots.
• No irrigation required.
• Corms flower at the beginning of April for a period of around six weeks.
• Once you see the red tips of saffron stigmas showing above closed petals it is perfect to pick. Ideally pick flowers early in the morning while flowers are still closed.
• Remove the stigmas from the flowers and dehydrate. If you only have a small amount you can dry on a sunny inside windowsill on a paper towel.

Your Saffron plants will continue to grow through Autumn and into winter. During this time the corm will continue to grow and will “split” creating “daughter corms”. These daughter corms will also produce flowers meaning that you can expect more flowers in the second and third years that your saffron is panted. Once planted Saffron corms remain in the ground for 3 to 4 years. At this stage your corms should be lifted, split and can be replanted.

When planted in well-drained soil and in a sunny location, saffron corms produce vibrant purple flowers with striking red stigmas, which are the source of saffron. The corms are hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making them suitable for a variety of climates. After flowering, the corms can be dug up, divided, and replanted to ensure a bountiful saffron harvest in subsequent years. They are known for their high value in culinary and medicinal applications, making them a sought-after addition to any garden dedicated to growing specialty spices.