Crocus sativus

Crocus sativus Details

Commonly known as Saffron, Crocus sativus is the plant that the spice, saffron is derived from. The bright red-orange threads (stigmas) from the flower are harvested, dried, and ground to produce the spice. The flowers themselves are purple with white colouring and easily recognisable by the aromatic stigmas. The grass-like leaves emerge either with the flowers or soon after. This bulbous plants typically grow to 15 cm tall and 10 cm wide, performing best when positioned in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site. It is tolerant of dry periods, frost, cool climates and generally dies back during these times to regrow when conditions start to warm. Saffron is often grown in a container, included in rock and cottage gardens, planted around outdoor living areas, used in border plantings, planted around the base of trees and shrubs, or grown specifically to provide the sought after spice. A mass planting is a must and bulbs should be spaced 10-15 cm apart.