zoom_in Click to enlarge

Saffron Crocus

▲ ▼

description Saffron Crocus Overview

Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus, is an autumn-flowering geophyte cultivated primarily for the production of saffron spice. The plant is a sterile triploid that exists only in cultivation and likely originated from the wild Crocus cartwrightianus in Greece. It produces purple flowers containing three vivid red stigmas, which are carefully hand-harvested and dried to create the spice. This labor-intensive harvesting process contributes to its high market value.

help Saffron Crocus FAQ

How many saffron crocus flowers does it take to make a pound of saffron spice?

It takes approximately 75,000 Crocus sativus flowers to yield a single pound of dried saffron spice. This immense labor requirement, coupled with the fact that each flower only produces three tiny red stigmas, is why saffron is the most expensive spice by weight in the world.

Can you grow Crocus sativus from seeds?

No, the saffron crocus is a sterile triploid, meaning it physically cannot produce viable seeds. It can only be propagated by manually digging up and dividing the small bulbs, known as corms, and planting them in well-drained soil.

Where did the saffron crocus originally come from?

While widely associated with Iran today, the plant likely originated from the wild Crocus cartwrightianus found in Greece. Ancient cultivators selected specific mutations that eventually resulted in the sterile Crocus sativus we use today.

When does the saffron crocus bloom during the year?

Unlike most spring-blooming flowers, the Crocus sativus blooms in the autumn, typically producing purple flowers in October or November. The delicate red stigmas must be harvested by hand immediately after the flowers open to ensure maximum flavor.

swap_horiz

Looking for Saffron Crocus alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward