Saffron

[jammyd]

Hi all, I was wondering if it's at all viable to grow your own crocus for harvesting its saffron? I have a spare patch next to the herbs!

I understand that there is a particular type of crocus that I'd need to grow - can anyone recommend a reputable dealer (either online or in the Sutton area)

Thanks,
James  

p.s. I used to be a moderator on the BBC gardening messageboard a coulpe of years back, and posted there a little - I recognise a couple of users here, Ina, Lishka - Hello again, remember me?  

[cleo]

Yes James you are remembered-and as one of the `good eggs` Lishka is away sunning herself at the moment.

But to your question-to be honest,forget that one-you need an awful lot of plants to get a tiny amount.

Stephan

[Muddy_Boots]

Hi James,

No doubt those who know will have some answers re saffron for you.  Just wanted to let you know that Lishka is sunning herself but will be back about 8th March.

Welcome!  Hope you enjoy it here as much as the rest of us do, it becomes addictive  

[Muddy_Boots]

Been reading my script again Cleo  

[jammyd]

hi there, thanks for the advice, I don't have too much room spare for saffron, so I'll have to consider an alternative I think!

Any suggestions?

james

Away sunning herself? It's alright for some - I got snowed on this morning!!

[cleo]

Hi again James

Not easy to make suggestions without knowing what you have already,but if you do not have French Tarragon that would be on my `must have` list.

And also Summer Savory-much under-rated IMO.

Stephan.

[jammyd]

Only have Rosemary, Thyme, Chives & Mint at the mo, so Tarragon looks like a good suggestion, thanks!

james

[tim]

There's a lovely book - the Essential Saffron Companion.

It tells you how to grow your own. But it does warn you - as Cleo indicates - 14 flowers = 1/10 gram dried stamens! = Tim

[Mrs Ava]

James, Sutton? as in Sutton, Surrey?  Only ask as that is where I is from originally.  Saffron, never thought of growing your own, sounds like a good idea to me.  I am going to have a go at growing lentils this year  

[jammyd]

Hi Emma, you got it - Sutton, Surrey   I've got a plot on the Belmont allotment site, just outside Sutton.  

Good luck with the Lentils - it's great to try new things out!

see ya,
james  

[cleo]

adopt an accent from `The Young Ones` LENTILS- now look here Neil,we got this plot for me to poo in not for you to grow hippy stuff

With apologies to Ade Edmondsun(sp)and all too young to remember.

Stephan.

[gavin]

Mmmm - like the idea of lentils.  Let us know how you get on, please  

All best - Gavin

[ina]

Hi James, fancy meeting you here.

Funny you should mention growing crocus for saffron, I played with the idea last year. I hunted around for info and bulbs, hard to get in Holland. Yield is really low but of course you only need a few strands at the time for cooking. Never did pursue it. If you are successful, you will let us know won't you?

[john_miller]

 What you are looking for, James, is Crocus sativus. It being an autumn flowering crocus makes me wonder why it cannot be planted in the ornamental garden rather than taking up potentially valuable allotment or herb garden space?

[jammyd]

Hi John, thanks for that - didn't want to go poisoning anyone

I don't have a garden, so the lottie is my only planting option. I was thinking of planting a dozen or so around the base of my raspberries though, that might work, and keep the herb bed for other herbs!

james