SAFFRON'S dirty little secret!

[@GreenLove1]

Here is the link to the playlist with my saffron growing videos over the past few years kzbin.info/aero/PLEpWw78qMngQE7KkV1xnEQ5caPth6mao5&si=wnsX9tdl1aO8QMl8

[@ASKYOGI]

Why don't you try indoor plantation in lab

[@GreenLove1]

@@ASKYOGI I don't have the space or setup indoors

[@1Kent]

Patience is a Gardener's best friend.

[@GreenLove1]

So true!!!

[@prateekkachoria301]

i am so glad about your honesty

[@trumplostlol3007]

I will be extremely happy if I get 3x bulbs. I just planted 20 last November and they all germinated well. They are extremely cold hardy here in zone 8b. Potting soil is expensive and can't be used for more than 1 year unless you keep adding fertilizer to it. I use tree leave compost instead. It lasts longer and I make more compost every year for my vegetables. Just get as much leaves and grass clipping from you neighbors.

[@GreenLove1]

I would also love to get to a point where I am not needing to buy soil. I am blessed to have plenty of leaves and I collect and compost all of them!

[@KarnivorousKeyz]

so nice to hear, I'm in zone 6a. I randomly planted some last year and got 1 flower (as the squirrels ate the other bulbs). I've planted 50 in a caged raised bed, so fingers crossed in October, I'll get at least 2x 😂

[@GreenLove1]

@KarnivorousKeyz good luck!!!

[@annep.1905]

@@KarnivorousKeyz I really want to plant some saffron! That spice is sooo expensive! But I am afraid I'd have trouble with squirrels too.

[@kingdavidapple]

@@annep.1905 Plant deep - 6 inches down. Use all the compost you can work into the soil & mulch it another 2 inches deep. Squirrels never found mine. I live 90 miles from Canada & my saffron does well. Last year I harvested 287 saffron blooms.

[@str8jacket9perf95]

That was exactly the information I was looking for, thank you!

[@GreenLove1]

@@str8jacket9perf95 that's great that you found it useful, you're welcome!

[@debbiecurtis4021]

Can anyone just clarify for me, as I've just planted saffron crocuses, is it ONLY the long, thin element that can be used in cooking?

[@GreenLove1]

Yes, the stigma - that's the only edible part. I have a short video on how to harvest saffron in my "Growing Saffron" playlist

[@debbiecurtis4021]

@@GreenLove1 I'll check it out, thank you

[@7phyton]

Considering how many people plant Crocus just for the pretty flowers early in spring, it seems you've done way better than just "breaking even" in terms of fun and aesthetics.

[@GreenLove1]

I agree 100%. I have discovered so much about this amazing spice/flower/plant and have truly enjoyed the beauty and the wonderful scent. It's been such a rewarding experience!

[@creekbird_homestead]

My very first corms went in about 3 weeks ago and the little green shoots have emerged!! I’m excited!!

[@GreenLove1]

Exciting indeed. Which gardening zone are you in?

[@creekbird_homestead]

@@GreenLove1 I’m 7b in TN. I’m kinda scared I’m on the cusp here. Hoping!! 🧡💜

[@GreenLove1]

@@creekbird_homestead 🤞🤞🤞

[@lynnsarraille7360]

Thank-you! I also tried saffron here in the Ca Central Valley- couldn't find any blooms but now will try with Bone Meal!

[@GreenLove1]

Might be the size of the bulb too, you might need to wait another year till they get big enough

[@Nilmeia]

I've been wondering so long why I have zero flowers the second year after having 25 bought high quality corms blooming the first. Thank you for this video!

[@GreenLove1]

So glad you found it useful!

[@Beeautifullifefarm]

We planted 80 the first year, ordered 80 the second year and this year we ordered 80 again, next year we will order 80 once again. We hope to get in a cycle where we will be harvesting quite a bit yearly. While still dividing and growing our beds

[@GreenLove1]

Oh my, that's a lot of Saffron! Any expert tips on how to get more blooms?

[@janicewolk6492]

What does saffron contribute? No disrespect, but it doesn't seem worth all that effort.

[@clivebanda9238]

@@Beeautifullifefarm where did you order them. I want to start farming them

[@Beeautifullifefarm]

​@clivebanda9238 baker and eden provided decent ones as well as shesrooted. We don't sell it, we only use it.

[@Beeautifullifefarm]

​@janicewolk6492 it depends what your goal is and what you want it for. I'm in my mid thirties ,retired and enjoy working on my land. My family and friends mostly enjoy the complex flavor of it. To some it's sweet and aromatic to others it's bitter and has an earthy smell. You won't know until you have a good quality saffron. But, just a little goes a very very long way. Too much can potentially kill you, but no one here will ever grow enough for that.

[@lmholland3630]

I just ordered some saffron bulbs for myself and my friend who has a farm/garden thing going. We are in the midwest with more rain and more clay soil than in CA. Planning to put in pots with a custom soil mixture to offer more drainage. Hopeful that with care we can both have good harvests and new fun spice to grow! just subscribed so I can get all your good tips.

[@GreenLove1]

Oh that's wonderful! My saffron bulbs are currently asleep. They are in ground as well as in pots that are far away from any irrigation. Come September, as the weather cools, I will start watering them, and the cycle will start over! Thanks for subscribing! And hope your saffron grows well. Please do update us on how saffron does in the Mid-west!!!💜🧡💜

[@gingivitis9148]

Oh I didn't know you could grow them in Cali, mum always said it's too hot here in Australia. I really want to try and grow some now, tho maybe I should stop killing my ginger first lol

[@GreenLove1]

Ginger is much harder to grow than saffron! iMO!!

[@VagabondAnne]

This was fun to watch! I also got a lot of multiplication of bulbs, but I'm sure the squirrels ate the biggest original ones, ate them like candy! I have taken to putting them along the edges of beds, where the grassy greens just do whatever they want.

[@GreenLove1]

@@VagabondAnne yes, the squirrels really love them! Glad you enjoyed the video, I made that a year ago. I just did a Yr 4 video, if you are interested!

[@ambervisions]

Im in Sacramento and am so excited to plant my Saffron this year!

[@GreenLove1]

That's awesome, it is such a fantastic experience growing this very unique flower!

[@LatinGhost916]

Same here, I been buying saffron from world market now I just want to grow my own

[@GreenLove1]

You are going to LOVE the experience of growing your own saffron!!

[@sky-163]

I like the way you talk with beautiful smiling face 👍👌 good luck 🙏 om mani padme hug 🙏

[@gta-6837]

Yes I love sweet people too. My mother inlaw like this.im blessed

[@GreenLove1]

so kind! thank you 🙏

[@mikelouis9389]

Use bone meal on all bulbs/corms/tubers. Tulips, hyacinth, daffodils, dahlias etc etc. They love it.

[@mikelouis9389]

Odd trick. I took a cordless drill with a 1½" spade point bit, drilled down 3 to 4 inches in my parents lawn and scattered out several hundred crocus bulbs about 25 years ago and they're still popping up all over the lawn as thick as ever. Such a wonderful sight when everything is still winter dreary.

[@GreenLove1]

@mikelouis9389 I can only imagine how lovely that must look!!! 🤩

[@GreenLove1]

Great tip, thanks!

[@charlesatlas9124]

double the depth and space apart.

[@GreenLove1]

Will try that next time, thank you

[@published1789]

Very interesting to hear the timeline it takes.

[@GreenLove1]

Yep, though of course I am only speaking from my own personal experience!

[@deemushroomguy]

Have you heard of Van Engelen Inc.? They are a Dutch bulb company, boasting the best prices (at least, from the last catalog I had). Might be worthwhile to get bulbs there, in bulk... They have a wide variety of Crocus though, so ya have to be sure it's a kind ya want.

[@GreenLove1]

@@deemushroomguy I will have to check them out, thanks for sharing!

[@79klkw]

How very exciting! I have a desire to do this, but i doubt that i could in the mountains of Virginia. I love saffron...MAD about saffron!

[@GreenLove1]

@@79klkw aww,yes, I hear you!!! Same!!!

[@KitchenFairy61]

I've grown saffron for years here in Central Connecticut, so you probably can grow it as well.

[@GreenLove1]

@@KitchenFairy61 that's great. Any interesting or different findings, living in a cooler climate? Any special considerations or treatment?

[@annettedante]

@@79klkw And saffrons mad about me :)

[@GreenLove1]

🌸❤️🌸🧡🌸

[@katesisco]

Reading history of ancient Crete had a description of the saffron' growth on the higher elevations. The women of Crete collected the saffron, so much for the supposed elevated status of Cretan women.

[@GreenLove1]

Oh how very interesting. I have to read up about it. Thanks for sharing!

[@kamalakrsna]

Gems of: direct knowledge/ experience given un2 us. Tnx

[@GreenLove1]

You are so welcome 🪷

[@rebeccasaunders3290]

Awesome ❤ Lost 4 blooms but made 62 extra(?) 🤯🤯🤯 That's still epic af!!! 😎 Well done and thanks for the tip 😁👌

[@GreenLove1]

Lol, yes, epic is right! I just published video with my 4th year planting - over 600 corms. Not bad for my initial 25 corm investment!

[@rebeccasaunders3290]

@GreenLove1 wow! Not a bad investment at all!! 1 day I wish for a hill side of saffron 🥰 not just for the stamen but it would be a beautiful sight 😊❤️ I will go watch that video soon 😁👌

[@generic_Ryan]

Right on ty. Right to the process. 😊

[@GreenLove1]

You are so welcome!

[@pamelarose1834]

Those look like Crocus sativus bulbs. I found one in north Texas once. The saffron pistils were awesome. Most people I know do not even know where saffron comes from.

[@GreenLove1]

@@pamelarose1834 yes indeed it is Crocus sativus. And what's even more strange is that the flower is perfumed but smells nothing like Saffron...the saffron perfume develops only after the stigma is dried. Something I would probably never have known if I did not grow it myself!

[@pamelarose1834]

@@GreenLove1 And how much is saffron perfume worth? That is one I hadn't heard of. Of course, the only fresh saffron I've seen is the one plant. When I went back to transplant it at home it was gone. Never could afford it for cooking.

[@GreenLove1]

@@pamelarose1834 I call it perfume but really, it's just the scent of the spice when you cook with it!

[@pamelarose1834]

@@GreenLove1 I see I have been trying to learn how to distil essential oils from flowers. I live in central Texas. will Crocus grow around here. I have never known anyone that grows it.

[@GreenLove1]

@@pamelarose1834 I am sure you can get it to grow. It's warm enough. However, someone from Texas recently commented (in quite a bit of detail) on my community post about having some struggles growing in Texas, you might want to check that post, and maybe even pose your questions to the commenter.

[@hf..7271]

Hello dear I’m feeling so blessed to come across your channel ! New Subs! Here . I’m also in Northern California. Grateful and thankful for your valuable contents because I’m a fan of saffron and love organics vege. Thank you so much . Bless load! 🥰🌺👍

[@GreenLove1]

Aww, how very kind and generous of you to compliment and send blessings! May you be blessed too!

[@hf..7271]

@@GreenLove1 You’re very welcome ! Likewise ! Amen !

[@jenn976]

I’ve found that when I plant bulbs in pots (which is all I’m doing anymore - no more digging into the ground), I can plant them a lot closer together and not quite as deep as they would be if I were planting them in the ground. I wonder if the saffron bulbs can be even closer than 2-3 inches apart.

[@GreenLove1]

@@jenn976 I have been watching some videos where Saffron farmers plant bulbs really close together, so I think the 2-3 inches apart is just generic guidance!

[@deepakprag3871]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@GreenLove1]

You are very welcome!!

[@esoteric_teachings]

Great information, thanks for the video!

[@GreenLove1]

You are so welcome! Glad you liked it!

[@DaveArnold-c8v]

You should be focusing on controlling the basic three variables - humidity, constant temperature, & steady flow of nutrients. Plus, never start from seeds. Always buy bulbs.

[@GreenLove1]

Good tips, thanks

[@Givemeafinname]

Should I be concerned if the shoots from the bulbs die off? Not sure why they died off, I got them in the mail they had shoots I put them in pots indoors by a bright sunny window just to get them started.

[@GreenLove1]

Hmm, mine were just bulbs when I got them. In the Northern Hemisphere, Saffron is typically planted in September/Oct, blooms in November, and then produces a ton of green growth through around April/May, then that dies off...and the bulbs (and divisions) restart the cycle in September. Not sure where your location is, but I think you should contact customer support. Does not sound right that they should die off.

[@sherylbailey2783]

Thank you for your honesty & sharing your knowledge. I an in 9b zone as well. Any problems with goghers? Also do you have a harvesting & storage video?

[@GreenLove1]

@@sherylbailey2783 you are so welcome! While I do have gophers in my back yard, they have not eaten the saffron corms- maybe they just have not found them yet!! I do have an entire playlist called "Growing Saffron" which includes harvesting videos, but really, all you need to do is regularly pinch off the orange stigma and let it dry in a plate for a week, and then store in the fridge in a small airtight jar! Enjoy your saffron!!💜🧡

[@sherylbailey2783]

@GreenLove1 Thank you!

[@pamcaldwell7055]

I live in the Missouri Ozarks and I have purple crocus that come up all over my yard. Can I use these bulbs as a start?

[@GreenLove1]

Saffron is in the crocus family, but it is a very specific crocus called Crocus sativus. Crocuses are often toxic, but saffron has an edible stigma. There is no substitute crocus for saffron unfortunately. And it has a very different growing season and climate compared to regular crocuses. So unfortunately I think the answer is no.

[@saimaithreya1404]

How are you calculating the roi. Will it be a different case if we do it in larger quantities? :)

[@GreenLove1]

To be perfectly honest, I don't think there is any ROI, at least for the past 3 years that I've been growing it. I will continue to update every year, and maybe at some point I will feel that I have broken even. But that point has not arrived yet! But I hugely benefited from learning about the crocus family of flowers, how saffron is grown and harvested, and I have been able to experience the beautiful flower, and the heavenly scent! Can't put a price tag on those!

[@eskimojo97]

The time to plant the next batch is around the corner. 🙂 Just curious, how did the bulbs from 2023 September do? How have they grown (in size and number)? Would appreciate if you could do another video. My bulbs all grew tiny daughter bulbs (around 8mm size, about 4 to 6 per mother bulb) and the mother bulb shriveled up and disintegrated. I had planted them all in potting soil with a good bulb fertilizer. Wonder what I did wrong. I'm in zone 9b as well.

[@GreenLove1]

I will certainly do another video closer to September, just like I did last year. I want to leave at least some undisturbed in the soil for a couple of seasons. But I will be unearthing some to see how the bulbs did. So far, my experience has been similar to yours!

[@Terri_Stauffer]

Same thing little bulbs and mother shriveled. I tried in ground and pots both did same thing.

[@GreenLove1]

@@Terri_Stauffer I have published my findings this year, check out my new video. It's actually pretty encouraging this year, I am excited!

[@utubemouse]

Interesting ideas! Thank you!

[@GreenLove1]

You are so welcome!!

[@paulbraga4460]

😇wonderful...where to buy saffron corms in California to grow? mygreathanks and blessings

[@GreenLove1]

I bought mine online from Renee's Garden

[@BlackJesus8463]

Nice!

[@LordMondegrene]

Phosphorus produces flowers & fruit. For roots & bulbs, use potash. 😮

[@GreenLove1]

Thanks for the tip, much appreciated!

[@jaketaylor6747]

What a great video! I have beengrowing everything from flowers to watermelons in a crawl space. I'm going to try my luck at growing crocus sativus. What causes the plants to go dormant? Lack of water, light cycle changes or temperature drops? Would i need to mimic this at some point in the growing cycle?

[@GreenLove1]

Wonderful! I have read and watched videos of people who have done this indoors successfully and in fact, they don't even need dormancy from what I understand. They will go through their life cycle - produce blooms, then green growth, which will then dry out. And then the lifecycle cam restart, non-stop! But I do not know much about this. Typically, in native conditions, saffron goes dormant once the summer hot dry temperatures hit. Would love to know how your experiment goes. Now is the time to buy the corms of you want to try!

[@dingledine2483]

I have some in a box to plant soon.

[@GreenLove1]

Plant soon!!!

[@saadullahachekzai7205]

Great info thanks for sharing

[@GreenLove1]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@meerasoni5221]

Have you ever tried to grow saffron inside a room with the help of an artificial environment and without soil? it works great!

[@GreenLove1]

@@meerasoni5221 I am doing a small set up this year, keen to see how they do! Thanks for the tip! Do you grow saffron indoors?

[@michaelcolors]

it would be good to research the results of several complete soil sample analysis tests (w/ pH results) from the regions where most of the saffron in the world is successfully harvested and sold, which would be in Iran and Afghanistan. Within the next few years, I'm going to be initiating an international organization where agricultural support will be given to those who would like to participate in growing GRAS, plant-based remedies so that they may be grown as a crop. Pls consider this project in addition to what you are already doing. Take care.❤❤💜💜

[@GreenLove1]

@@michaelcolors happy to consider participating in your project when you're ready. Please get in touch with me then. Good luck!

[@danielschneider9312]

If you were to dig up and replant your bulbs every year, do you think it might disrupt the bulb division process?

[@GreenLove1]

I made this video last year, and just published my 2024 planting video. I have been digging up and replanting every year, mostly because I am growing in containers and wanted to refresh them. But I really don't think it affects multiplication. That first year I planted 25 corms. This year I planted 670 - all from multiplication. However, I am not sure if it is disrupting something else, like the growth of the corm itself (size). This year I have given them a permanent spot in the ground, and have carefully documented how many I planted. So will continue to experiment and document my journey! Follow along if interested!

[@Darkshizumaru]

@GreenLove1 On the contrary to the OP suggestion, I think you are doing what is best for the bulb division. If you think about it, the process is requiring space. If you dont dig them up and part them yearly, the mother plant will not have space around it to divide again. In fact, the disturbance might just be encuraging division much like a trauma to a fruit tree encourages more fruiting. Let us know how the perma bed goes, but I would not be surprised if the yield is larger in size but smaller in quantity or neither. Just from plant behavior, it seems in other cases that disturbance gives plants the sense it should put out more of itself somehow in case the mother plant dies. Plant survival tactic. Of course it needs those nutrients and roots to do that, so its interesting to see.

[@relaxationwithmaru8859]

what does this plant require? Im in malaysia, its basically summer with a lot of rain and we don't have autumn and winter. Can I plant this ?

[@GreenLove1]

I Do not have personal experience growing in a tropical climate. Saffron does need a very long dry hot summer, So you will need to be able to simulate those conditions, The rain during summer will probably cause it to rot. Kindly do some research, I believe there is information on the internet of people who have tried to grow it in Malaysia

[@warrensanders5744]

So, how do you make saffron? (into the yellow spice) . Do you grind up the bulbs or what?

[@GreenLove1]

@@warrensanders5744 no, it is the dried stigma of the flower!

[@BestLife1133]

I tried them. Found walnuts but no crocus in the spring.🐿

[@GreenLove1]

Saffron is Fall blooming, unlike other crocuses that bloom in Spring. But ya, those squirrels will eat the corms as well as the plants and flowers. The only way is to cage them...the saffron I mean

[@SeventhSamurai72]

Lovely🥳

[@GreenLove1]

@@SeventhSamurai72 🙏💚

[@JamBreadSpotify]

Thanks for the video!

[@GreenLove1]

You are so welcome!

[@KannadaAdviceTv]

Thanks for this video really helpful, a small doubt, Small daughter corms which weigh around 3-5gms when it will produce the flowers after how many years

[@GreenLove1]

I am guessing about 2 years,maybe 3

[@Mrbfgray]

Dang I'm in 9a NorCali, could work for me too maybe. (at first thought I was expecting some humid tropical environment I couldn't duplicate)

[@GreenLove1]

@@Mrbfgray oh most certainly! We have a great climate for these beauties

[@BrokeTheGamer]

Might I recommend, grow them indoors, full time. Quick-cycling those smaller bulbs through the flowering cycle 3x year, would allow them to get to “year 3” in just one. Also, if any of your blooms seem “vigorous” in growth, cross-pollinate them in lieu of harvesting them! By cross-pollinating only the most vigorous, you manipulate the genetics in the new bulbs to take-on the more vigorous growth attributes.

[@GreenLove1]

@@BrokeTheGamer very interesting recommendations. Am curious though, since saffron reproduces vegetatively, how can cross pollination help? In fact studies have shown that saffron across the globe is genetically identical, with mild variations due to environmental conditions. Just wondering if you have any scientific research that has been done so far, that you can share. I do live in pretty ideal conditions for growing saffron, and my plans produce blooms in a brief 4 weeks after I plant them. I am not sure if indoor conditions can better that. But it's worth trying with a few corms, just to see if there's a difference! Thanks for your suggestions!!

[@siggyincr7447]

@@GreenLove1 While it does reproduce vegetative, the whole point of the flowers is to produce seed. But this isn't done commercially because seed take very many years till first bloom and commercial growers have an abundance of new bulbs every year. You could, in theory, start towards developing an improved variety by using the pollen from your most vigorous bubs to pollinate each other. But that takes many generations and ideally you want significant variation in the population you start with. So realistically, for something that takes so many years from seed to flower, selective breeding becomes a decades long project.

[@GreenLove1]

@@siggyincr7447 sounds right in theory!

[@patrickday4206]

@@GreenLove1 great another plant that doesn't have genetic diversity. Probably a good thing individuals like you are growing it. Don't need another banana blight on something like saffron

[@bulletxx2]

I was curious to know if you have any ideas for companion planting with the saffron? Also have you considered leaving the corms in the ground for a second year? You can leave them in the ground for as long as 4 years.

[@GreenLove1]

I have not tried companion planting, but this year it happened naturally when volunteer Claytonia started growing. It was a disaster. Saffron is such a skinny delicate plant, the claytonia just took over. Will be diligent to remove any volunteer companions next year. I also planted some saffron in ground, and will leave them there for a few years to see if things improve! The experiment continues!!!! Thanks for your questions/suggestions! Happy and grateful to learn from your experiences too!

[@minhducnguyen9276]

You can intercrop them with garlic as garlics share similar requirements and the smell of garlics also helps deter pests. Chickpeas are also suitable companion plants.

[@ss316eater]

Not that we are measuring apples to oranges, but you are growing an absolutely gorgeous flower and plant that reproduces and gives you more plants each year. Some gardeners invest the same amount of time growing a single Pineapple and in the end, they get 1 pineapple and the start of another plant... Return on investment is not all on paper, you look happier and healthier than a lot of bankers, you must be doing something correct ;)

[@GreenLove1]

You are so correct! The blooms brought me so much joy and I've learned so much. Can't really put a price on these things. And yes you're also correct and that I am happier than most bankers 😜😍

[@katiejo1095]

They were crowded so the bulbs are small,give them way more space.

[@GreenLove1]

@@katiejo1095 thanks for the tip!

[@lesbradley774]

Thank you

[@GreenLove1]

You are so welcome

[@avithakur4905]

Wow great .. can you teach me all this .. I do have saffron bulbs in bulk but I am growing it by hydrophonic method can you please guide me to this process so that I can grow it cost effectively

[@GreenLove1]

That's awesome, I have heard about hydroponic saffron, but from what I understand it's still in the experimental phase. I cannot help, unfortunately, since I do not have experience doing this, but do update with your results after you try it,I am keen to hear how it went!

[@avithakur4905]

@@GreenLove1 I am looking forward to learn ur technique so that i can reduce my electricity cost to run the mechines nd save extra cost nd effort

[@GreenLove1]

I hope you achieve your goals! I have many videos in a playlist called Growing Saffron...check it out!

[@اميرناظم-ك4ظ]

Nice dear ❤

[@JaromKizhakkanudan]

What we do small bulbs, put soil again for grow?

[@GreenLove1]

Just plant...it will probably produce a flower next year, or maybe in 2 years

[@mattski1979]

I never knew you could grow bulbs bigger. I just thought they were planted and that's that. I know nothing about gardening. Your video was great. Thank you.

[@GreenLove1]

Well, technically you are right, you just plant, and they are supposed to grow!!! Unless some critter eats them!! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@cherylpemberton1676]

@@GreenLove1, I live in Hollister (about 35 minutes SSE of Silicon Valley) which is NOW classified as 9B, previously 9A. I'm curious which area of Silicon Valley you're in, and if you'll be giving us (your common sense) help with fruit trees soon for our area please?? Also, we have noticed that since about 2000 after we noticed the chemtrailing, our gardens have produced less every year when our gardens until then were very prolific; despite the same conditions, we get much less! Any advice? We thank you for all your help, my Darling Granddaughter Sierra and I LOVE gardening together.

[@GreenLove1]

Hi Cheryl, how lovely that you garden with your grand-daughter, what special memories you are making ❤️💚❤️. I am not a great expert on fruit trees and still learning, but what I suggest you do is to submit your question to your local Master Gardener chapter...here is the link: mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/contact-us/ask-a-gardening-question/ If the link is not clickable, then just search the Internet for Santa Clara Master Gardener Help Desk and you should find the website. This is a free service of very knowledgeable gardeners who will be happy to guide you. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@pamrodgers7409]

Can I grow in the state of Maryland

[@GreenLove1]

Yes, but do a bit of research to figure out what month you should plant, and you will also probably need to dig it up and store it inside when the ground freezes

[@AnimeShinigami13]

oh boy...

[@GreenLove1]

Ha ha, no I'm definitely not doing it for an investment, but we normally expect plants to grow and multiply rather than diminish over the years. Fortunately it picks back up in about 3 or 4 years which is good. And ya, I keep saying bulb, even though I know it's a corm😂😂😂

[@Wigington24]

🌱 nice

[@TaLeng2023]

I wish these grow in the tropics.

[@GreenLove1]

You could certainly try, but your summers may be too wet...saffron corms need to go dormant. Of course you could always dig them up and bring them indoors to a dry place for summer!

[@Dr.Elliott]

Do the bulbs need cold stratification?

[@GreenLove1]

@@Dr.Elliott no, they are a Mediterranean climate. Hot long dry summers during which they remain dormant, and short mild winters where the ground does not freeze.

[@12345678998624]

How often do you water them?

[@GreenLove1]

@@12345678998624 during Summer - NEVER. When they start growing in September, only if the soil is getting dry

[@Realatmx]

Great information but cracking down with numbers and thinking is it valuable or not should not be concern one of basic rule of doing gardening is to produce food which is healthy and not tempered by sellers.. 😊

[@GreenLove1]

💯 agree!!

[@Mrbfgray]

My youngest cat harvests squirrels like no one's business. Dang he's good. 😀

[@GreenLove1]

@@Mrbfgray lol, the apex predator!!!!!

[@Mrbfgray]

@@GreenLove1 Yeah squirrels better stay off the ground around here, hehehe.

[@Hafsa_sheikh]

Where i sell these saffron ,,,give me ideas

[@GreenLove1]

Sorry I am not in the business of selling, so cannot help with this question!

[@Hafsa_sheikh]

@@GreenLove1 Actually iam from Andhra Pradesh, I also want to grow this into my garden ,, could you suggest how to maintain the temperature of that plant ..please

[@GreenLove1]

@@Hafsa_sheikh my climate here in California is ideal for saffron - it needs hot and very dry summers when it is dormant, and cool mild winters. You might need to do an internet search for how to grow saffron in Andhra Pradesh. Sorry I can't help much here!

[@Hafsa_sheikh]

@@GreenLove1 thankyou for replying

[@flailtondiniz]

Legal muito bom

[@jennanidanu1]

Have you heard about Israel growing saffron, hydroponically?

[@GreenLove1]

Yes, and in India too. Still experimental though, and they have not found a way yet to make it profitable from what I understand...but I think saffron is a good candidate for hydroponic success

[@ronweber4508]

👍

[@notmyworld44]

I was born in Tampa Florida, and as a child we ate much Cuban food, which often contains this wonderful spice. There's absolutely nothing else like it! I have found stuff labeled "saffron" here in northwest Arkansas, in some of our Asian and Indian markets. It is affordable, but lacks the taste and aroma of saffron. I believe it is probably safflower stamens, which look like saffron, but have none of its wonderful flavor. Be very careful when purchasing stuff labeled "saffron". It's easy to be fooled!

[@GreenLove1]

Yes, saffron is definitely "duplicated" a lot, because it is so expensive. Another advantage of growing your own saffron if you can, but it's difficult to produce a lot in a home setting. So find a reliable shopping source and stick with it. I buy from Costco!

[@OurTube_TheOriginal]

Not clear what time of year you are doing this.

[@GreenLove1]

It starts to sprout in mid-Sept. I live in California so long hot dry summers, and mild wet winters. Saffron starts to sprout right as the temps are starting to cool off.

[@DawitD-b4d]

የኔን ግንድ ሚያክል ጥፍት ይዤ በ አካላዊ መንፈሳዊ ንፁህ ነጭ ወረቀት የሆነችውን ሳሮንየን አይንሽ ላይ ጉድፍ አለ አልልም!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EmilyBieman]

My saffron bulbs were dug up and stolen by neighbours 🤬

[@GreenLove1]

Omg, that's awful, I am so sorry!

[@gingivitis9148]

Mulch with broken glass?

[@GreenLove1]

🤣🤣🤣

[@PumpkinheadsPlayhouse]

😁😘

[@alisonarmstrong8421]

Crocus

[@thjonez]

dirty secret?

[@GreenLove1]

Ok, fine, "nasty" little secret!! Better ?! 😉

[@rayjack]

saffron is a bit tasteless ... a bit vinegary ... if you want to have that reddish color in your biriyani, add beets to rice. you'll get that similar color.

[@GreenLove1]

Hmm, the taste of saffron is subtle but obvious and to me absolutely delicious. I use it not just in rice dishes but also in sweet dishes. It is a delicate but unmistakable, and very flavorful! But different people would feel differently, I understand!