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Bulbs
artemis_ma

Saffron corms...

8 years ago

Last spring, I ordered a batch of seeds from Baker Heirloom Seeds, along with some saffron corms. They sent me the seeds, along with a note that my saffron would arrive in early fall. I didn't think anything of this.


They just arrived, 20 saffron corms, and I go to research planting them....


They are supposed to be planted in late spring, and they are harvested in late September - into October.


Okay, what do I do? I'm Zone 5, but will be planting them against the house (which keeps them warmer in the winter, they're typically 6-9 zone). Should I just store them over winter and plant in spring? Or plant some indoors? Or, what?


Baker is a reliable source, so I'm not sure what gives here. Advice?

Featured Answer
  • 8 years ago

    No wonder you're confused!! The info you have received is not correct. These bulbs are generally shipped out in late summer/early fall and should be planted immediately. They will typically bloom 6-8 weeks after planting (may skip flowering until the second fall unless large bulbs) and the stigmas (the saffron) is collected and dried then. They need full sun and well drained soil that can remain moderately dry in summer

    They will not be winter hardy for you. One source suggests a way of growing Saffron Crocus in cold-winter areas is to plant the corms 2 in. deep in clay or plastic pots filled with a well-drained soil mix, and then set the pots directly in the ground, with the rims about 2 inches below the soil surface, so the pots don't show. After the plants die back in the fall, move the pots into the basement and store them dry for the winter. Set the pots back out the following spring.

    Comments (6)

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