OHHHH...I've had a little 'dig' into my saffron planter.. ;D ;D..they are coming through..another couple of days and first growth should be pushing through... ;D
chance of actually harvesting a useful crops is not guaranteed.
..isn't that same with everything we grow..?
Saffron used to be viable commercial crop in UK..so it should be ok. But, if in any doubt..planted in large tubs should ensure a crop as if bad weather should close in during flowering time, tubs can be lifted under cover.
I'm sure main reason for saffron to fail and people loosing their bulbs is that they are not giving them enough drainage..they don't want pampering with multipurpose compost..soil based compost with loads and loads of grit will suit them best.
I planted mine into JI no2 compost and grit mixture...1/3 of the volume is grit.