Growing Saffron Crocus Indoors
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Allen Ashworth
Posted on: September 15, 2006

I was wondering if you had any advice on growing saffron indoors.

There should be no problem growing it indoors, if you treat it like any forced autumn crocus. Because new bulbs form above the old ones, do not plant in a bulb pan (shallow pot), but in a standard pot filled with gritty rich soil with the tops about 5cm below the surface and with about 5cm between the corms. The growing period is about September to May in warm environments. The rest of the time they should be kept almost dry. During the growing period give them bright light. You will be able to tell by the foliage if you are giving enough light. If the leaves are thin, spindly and reach for the light, increase light levels. Keep cooler in the winter, but it would be better if the growing area never freezes. Harvest the stamens, which hang out of the flower and are brilliant red, if you so desire.

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