I started my saffron experiment last fall, and as with all experiments I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. I’m happy to report that the outdoor saffron (photo above) appears to have survived the winter, though a rabbit or a whole colony seems to have discovered their tasty leaves. One plant has been chewed a bit, but the critter in question has moved on to my ornamental crocuses (photo below), apparently thinking they are more tasty.
My indoor saffron lost all the leaves during the whitefly battle this winter, but I checked yesterday and the corms (bulbs) are still intact. So I have left them in their pots by the window, thinking they might slip into dormancy early. The outdoor bulbs will go dormant once the weather turns warm.
We’re halfway through this little experiment, and sometime in late September to mid-October I hope to show some photos of the saffron crocuses in bloom and some of the harvest.
Previous Saffron Posts
Saffron in the Snow
The Saffron Experiment, Part 2: We Have Sprouts!
The Saffron Experiment
Jean Ann says
April 3, 2008 at 9:24 pmYummy! I always plan on planting fall crocus, I just don’t seem to get it done…I will be interested to read about your harvest.
Linda says
April 4, 2008 at 7:04 amOh how I wish I could grow my own saffron! Hope everything goes well with your experiment 🙂
Susan from Food Blogga says
April 4, 2008 at 7:44 pmHow cool! I didn’t realize that what it looked like. Happy gardening, Andrea.
Garrett says
April 7, 2008 at 10:25 amOh my, I tried this once, and then the neighbor’s fucking cat ate it all. Little bastard.
Best of luck to you and cannot wait to see the results!
Cris says
April 8, 2008 at 4:59 pmGorgeous saffron!!! And the experiment is going so well!
Alanna says
April 22, 2008 at 9:34 amJust wanted to let you know that your post is featured on BlogHer today! ~ AK