SAFFRON'S dirty little secret!

3 years into growing saffron, I finally have to face the reality. It's interesting how all the videos that talk about growing saffron only say wonderful things about how easy it is to grow the world's most expensive spice. What they don't tell you is it is going to take several years before you can recoup your initial investment. watch the video and you'll see why.
I have enjoyed growing saffron over the years, and have shared my experiences in the playlist below:

I will continue to grow it, especially because I'm finally reaching the stage where I am going to break even maybe in a year.
#greenlove
#livegreenandloveyourgreens

[Kent]

Patience is a Gardener's best friend.

[trumplostlol]

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.

[strjacketperf]

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

[phyton]

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.

[creekbird_homestead]

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

[lynnsarraille]

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

[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!

[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

[lmholland]

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.

[gingivitis]

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

[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.

[ambervisions]

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

[sky-]

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

[mikelouis]

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

[published]

Very interesting to hear the timeline it takes.

[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.

[klkw]

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!

[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.

[kamalakrsna]

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

[rebeccasaunders]

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