The saffron crocus: autumn bloomer with lilac flowers and long blood-red stigmas. Those stigmas are saffron, red gold. Cultivation and harvest happen by hand. This is the true saffron crocus (Crocus sativus), which blooms differently from the spring species. It flowers in October and November, with its leaves present. Hard fact: only thick bulbs flower. Must be in a warm spot in full sun. Too much shade means it won't flower after the first year. The hotter the better. Frost and snow tolerant: blooms right through after frost periods. Can stay in place for up to six years. Best saffron harvest usually in the second year. Fun detail: tasting fresh stigmas turns your tongue red for hours. The Alchemist. She makes the invaluable from the invisible. The bulbs come from the Dutch bulb fields. Hand-selected for quality and size, and delivered at the right planting time. A larger bulb holds more food, and you see that in the flower: more blooms, and fuller. We offer our 100% Bloom Guarantee.
