Five Mistakes to Avoid Growing and Planting Saffron Crocus

[@ewhite6172]

Thank you for your saffron growing tips! It has been most helpful. I enjoyed the dialog between husband and wife. It made me giggle. 😂❤

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thank you for your comment ewhite, we are glad you enjoyed it. The saffron has sprouted but no flowers yet. Kind regards Simon

[@GreenLove1]

Really good advice, all of them. This is my 4th year growing saffron, and I have learned much, and made many mistakes and acquired many learnings. Will be sharing my FAQs video soon, but this year I am actually going to dedicate a raised bed to saffron...they multiply so much. Hoping for a good bloom production this year 🤞🤞🤞. California grower (saffron loves our hot dry summers!)

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks for you supportive comment GreenLove. Simon 🙂

[@TitanChromeE]

Thanks for the advice! I have to grow them indoors since it gets below -40 Celsius in Canada

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Wow! -40 Celsius is crazy. I wish you all the best with your endeavours. Simon

[@callumclark3358]

I filled a deep raised bed with saffron last year in north Durham. They all came up and seem pretty healthy, but there was nothing but rain, cold, and damp through the flowering period. I reckon most of the bulbs produced a flower, but unsurprisingly the flowers would not open. Not a textbook harvest, but they do a decent job of flavouring a dish. It remains to be seen if they'll thrive in the long term, but they seem pretty robust. I might see if I can improvise some sort of poly-tunnel arrangement to keep the rain off in the autumn, but as for having a hot, dry period, not much I can do.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Callum, and thanks for your comment. I think you have done well so far growing them where you are, but once you've sorted out the rain protection, you've probably cracked it. Thanks for sharing your experience and good luckfor this yreas harvest. Simon

[@beeminty]

Thank you for the detailed advice! I am in Indiana in the US and am going to try them in the ground in a dry rocky slope and also in grow bags on the south side of my house where the exterior is stone and an extensive overhang from the roof where almost nothing will grow. Have been looking to add a small lean-to style greenhouse against that wall in the future which could provide nearby access to additional protection.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Beeminty, and thanks for getting in touch. I would love to have a dry rocky slope here as that would allow me to grow a whole different range of plants. Check those growbags, though. In the UK, they just contain either sedge peat or mosspeat so no nutrients or additional drainage. Its just cheap rubbish. I wouldn't know what they would contain in the USA, it could be an entirely different thing. Kind regards Simon

[@juliehorney995]

Just harvested saffron here in NE Indiana that I planted 5 weeks ago. Raised bed and in-ground!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Wow, that is a fast turnaround, Julie. All mine have emerged, but there is no sign of blooms as yet. That is the stupid English cold weather for you. Simon

[@stacysmith9404]

Thank you! Exactly the video I’ve been looking for. Fun and educational. ❤😊

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome Stacy, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Simon

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks 😊

[@sicnessification]

Oooo indoor plant then. We have clay here, and it def gets lower than -15 c for 2 months, and hotter than 38c for 4 months. 7a growzone.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Wow. That is a huge extreme in temperatures! Very challenging! Simon

[@Maria-In-Motion]

Hi. Great video. Quick question: what are some companion plants you would recommend? Thank you ☺️

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Maria, chives and or garlic will probably be your best bet. Kind regards Simon

[@bhadreshmehta1517]

Nice informative video. Thanks for your information and precautions to take while farming.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

No problem Bhadreshmehta, you are very welcome. Simon

[@FarhanMahin-qf6gs]

This man told the most important thing, showing of to our friends.😂

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Indeed! Thanks for getting in touch Farhan. Kind regards Simon

[@FarhanMahin-qf6gs]

​@@walkingtalkinggardenershey i live in Bangladesh can you you give me guidelines about growing them in here?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Farhan, Unfortunately not. My training is all about how to manipulate the micro climates in this country so I can successfully grow plants from other countries here. You would need to seek advice from a horticulturist where you are who is familiar with your climate, seasonal variations, etc. You just need to look up your local garden society and get in touch with them. Kind regards, Simon

[@GrantHendrick]

Thank you for your helpful advice.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

No problem Grant, you are very welcome. Simon

[@ScottMcCutcheon-j7v]

Thanks for the good advise. One point I would like to make, saffron is NOT as expensive as gold, at least in. the USA. We can buy saffron today for $1000 per ounce, while gold is going for $2348 today. (Less than have the price.)

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks for the great comment. Stupid, worthless saffron! Simon

[@mudobed5398]

Always someone wanting to quibble about a topic not under current advice. Really??!!!

[@dawnlane1514]

Gold doesn’t multiply

[@dawnlane1514]

It’s one item of x/y in weight where as bulbs per gram + harvest per bulb + multiplication of bulbs = tasty food

[@dawnlane1514]

In fairness any edible plant is worth more than gold n money 🧐 the knowledge n ability to produce food is priceless

[@mafuyue]

I live in a very harsh climate where the temperatures reach 50 Celsius (the highest) and the average is about 45 Celsius, humidity is low too (12%~21%), do you suggest growing in the ground (I only have space in full sun locations) or in pots?, I have about 15 chorms.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Wow, those high temperatures are insane! I would definitely plant in the ground as it will be at least a little cooler for the bulbs compared to being in pots. Also plant a little deeper to mitigate some of the ground heat. Maybe plant cactus or suitable succulent to provide some shade during the heat of the day. Good luck, and let me know how you get on. I am about to bring mine out of the greenhouse for its first water after the summer. Hopefully they survived and will flower. Simon

[@debbiecurtis4021]

He could grow aloe vera, dragon fruit and prickly pear to shade his saffron​@walkingtalkinggardeners

[@vickihalverson6328]

I so enjoyed your video, very uplifting. I am growing the saffron crocus for the first time this year. I think I will start them in a pot so that I can move them when rains here. I live in south central Kansas in the USA. Our summers can be hot, dry, and humid. Thank you for all of your advice.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome Vici, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Simon

[@centillionandone]

Thank you for your informatonal video! I had no idea the cullinary saffron crocus could survive in such diverse climates, i was inspired to find out more because i see random little plain crocus sprouts early every spring in my New York soil. Shame I didn't think to grow it closer to the better planting season😔

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Centillion and one and thanks for your comment. Yes, they are surprisingly tough and easy to grow given a little help. They should become available end of summer but you need to get them early as they are generally bought in by retailers in quite small quantities. Simon

[@centillionandone]

Thank you for the tip, I will be wary of this and mark my calendar ​@@walkingtalkinggardeners

[@vinodpuri6881]

Can I grow saffron in Toronto and Los Angeles, if yes then what are the best suited months for growing them and from where can we get good quality reasonably priced buds please.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Vindo. Yes, you can grow them in Toronto. They are planted as soon as they become available to purchase at the end of the summer. However unlike in the UK you will probably need to water them. Over the autumn. Just rewatch the video for all the details and replicate the desired conditions where you are. Kind regards, Simon

[@bearhardin1394]

Actually, with most plants, overcrowding by others of the same species is more detrimental than competition from weeds. The reason for that is because whereas a weed may steal some nutrients from the crocus plants ANOTHER crocus plant will take up the exact same nutrient profile as the next crocus plant, which means of course that it will reduce the precise nutrients in exactly the same proportions as the plants next to it!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Mmmmm, I'm not sure about that. What about the massive light and water competition from vigorous weeds such as nettles, docks, brambles, fat hen etc? Let alone the huge increase in magnification of macro and micro nutrient uptake? I am not sure there is an advantage gained by leaving in the weeds and removing some of the crocus bulbs to reduce competition is the right way to go for improved cropping. I'm pretty sure there would be next to no Crocus left after the first 3 year cycle. However, I appreciate your suggestion, Bear. Kind regards, Simon

[@creamsodayoda]

thank you

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You are very welcome. Simon

[@colescompany]

This guy is funny. I like him.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks Cole, I appreciate that. Simon

[@grahamnorris7315]

Can you consume the petals as well? Would make a pretty salad or garnish.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Graham, and thanks for the great question. You can eat them but they don't taste of much. Kind regards, Simon

[@cindiblazer8621]

Great video

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks Cindi, that's appreciated. Simon

[@Georges-n5j]

Rats love a crocus bulb too

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Not another pest I need to put management in for!!!! Simon

[@80sforever3]

In my country a bulb is MYR19. Not sure if it is really crocus bulb. A horde of seller are swindling buyers with saffron seeds, slightly cheaper than the bulb to attact attention.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That's really interesting 80'sforever, thanks for sharing that in the comments. I've never seen the seeds sold here, but i guess you could get them online if needed. Bulbs have got to be a better choice, though, to ensure cultivar types unless you can get F1 hybrid crocus seeds. Kind regards, Simon

[@80sforever3]

@@walkingtalkinggardeners i don't think the seeds are crocus seeds at all. A few youtubers mentioned the seeds are safflower seeds

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

You just can't trust anyone anymore!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@80sforever3 , Maybe because crocus grow from ''bulbs" that naturalize(create offshoot bulbs you can divide when large enough). 😛

[@theartistinyu]

hi, thanks for the video :) very informative. could you please tell where to buy the crocus in uk?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Art, luckily they will be readily available in early autumn online or in most good garden centres. Buying them outside this time frame can mean quality issues. Kind regards, Simon

[@SacredBear777]

I was given a lot of saffron in pots that a lady watered and couldn't get to grow they're quite tall now and after her mismanagement I'm not sure what steps to take to allow these beautiful flowers to grow correctly so what would you advise should I replant these an attempt to start over or what

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello SacredBear. I am going to assume that you are from USA/Canada or UK, so move your pots undercover or to s greenhouse to keep the rain off them. Then they can come back out in the spring. Manage them as discussed in the video. If they are overcrowded they can be repotted at the end of summer. Good luck. Kind regards Simon

[@SacredBear777]

Thank for your wisdom

[@sherrymiller804]

I live in the US I’m in zone 7. I was wondering if I can plant them in my raised beds and then during winter and then during their dormancy period dig them up bring them inside in a brown paper bag then replant when it’s time to

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Sorry, you said during winter during dormancy. During dormancy the answer is yes but I wouldn't do that every year. During winter no. If you are worried about the cold then I would leave them in the raised bed but protect the area with a thick layer of straw over winter. Alternatively grow in containers and bring under protection where temperatures are not so low. Good luck. Simon

[@lindseyreyes983]

I had the same question, but I’m in Zone 6. Containers it is!

[@AngieLaLa88]

If they love a lot of rock I ought to be able to grow them right in my lawn. 🤣

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Angie, I am heard of worse ideas! Thanks for getting in touch. Simon

[@MarthaMasike-g7c]

Very informaive, where can i buy the seeds in SA

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That is a great question. Unfortunately being located in the UK means that I couldn't really say. However I would advise contacting your local horticultural or gardening society. Kind regards Simon

[@sandralawrence7843]

Hi dear after my saffron finish flowering do I need to remove the grassebitfrom the top or do i need to cut it back down

[@sandralawrence7843]

Do I need to cut it back down

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Sandra, and thanks for your question. No, you leave the foliage to die back naturally. This is because the bulb will absorb nutrition carbohydrates and starches ets from the leaves to help bulk up the bulb for the following season. By doing this, you should expect improved flowering the following year.Kind regard Simon

[@jacintasimon9388]

Hi, where did you get the crocus from? Do you sell it? From midland England. Thanks for the answers in advance!

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

@jacintasimon9388 Hi Jacinta, sorry, but I don't sell saffron bulbs. However, they will be available in garden centres and online at the end of the summer. Kind regards Simon

[@sa8nb]

Whoa where did u get that seed packet ?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Sandor, I think that pack was from J.Parkers Dutch Bulbs. Kind regards, Simon

[@HansikaIshari]

Hello sir.. i'm from sri lanka. Can you help me start to saffron farm. Because i need buy bulb. And wether. Somenot notyet sart this one..

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Haskina, and thanks for the question. Just one thing, im not sure exactly how you are expecting me to help you? Plus I am having difficulty understanding your last tei sentences. Kind regards Simon

[@cynthiasudberry9433]

Where can I get some bulbs please?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Cynthia, they will be widely available in early autumn. Simon

[@moondoddler370]

Does it say saffron bulb on the package or just crocus

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hello Moon and thanks for getting in touch. It is 100% certifiable Saffron crocus - Crocus sativus. Simon

[@bigbarry8343]

music from kloss.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thanks Big Barry. Simon

[@Hundred703]

Looking for investor for zafron to buy 10 acres and produce in sudamerica price is 20 Dollars per gram

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Hi Hundred, I am not sure if this is the right place to find potential investors, but you are welcome all the same. Simon

[@stevenleek1254]

I am listenting to you but why am I walking backwards?

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Maybe your head is on back to front??? You should probably watch these videos sitting down, just for safety reasons.

[@THETEAL0VER]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻⭐️

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

Thank you, TeaLover. Simon

[@thatsmuzik2570]

I’m not going to finish watching the poor guy get interrupted all the time and corrected. He’s trying to make this video to the audience not to whoever thinks he’s talking to her.

[@walkingtalkinggardeners]

That's married life for you. I have a couple more saffron videosto publish once finished. I'm just waiting for them to bloom. Simon 🙂

[@missyuriverse]

bros never been in love...