Planting time, soil, planting depth and aftercare: the basics for anyone starting to grow saffron.
Growing your own saffron may be easier than you think. Planted at the right time in the right soil, saffron corms reward your effort with violet flowers in autumn.
When to plant
Saffron corms are usually planted between late summer and early autumn, and flower that autumn. Your local climate determines the best time; in cooler areas, slightly earlier planting may be preferred.
Where to plant
- Choose a spot that gets sun for most of the day.
- Choose light, loose, well-drained soil.
- Avoid heavy clay that holds water; corms can rot.
How to plant
- Work the soil well and clear weeds.
- Check that corms are firm, dry and free of mould.
- Place them pointed end up, generally about 10–15 cm deep.
- Leave enough space between corms for them to develop.
- Cover with soil and firm gently.
Aftercare
Saffron does not like too much water. Water moderately as the soil dries out. Do not cut the leaves that appear after flowering until they turn yellow; they feed the corm for next year's flowers. In summer the plant goes dormant and needs no watering.
Growing in pots
No garden? Use a pot at least 20–25 cm deep with drainage holes and a free-draining mix to grow saffron on a balcony.
Read our Saffron Cultivation guide or see our saffron corms.
