[PurplePixie]

I planted some saffron crocus bulbs about july/august last year in a big terracotta pot and they have shot up but they are so leggy that they just look like thick, flopped over grass 

They're about 12/14 inches tall but look a bit daft!

Should I chop them down a bit?, feed them? .... any brilliant rescue ideas or is this normal?!

Ta Muchly,
PP

[jrko]

according to this web page and the pic in particular they should be planted VERY deep.  About 6 inches or so.  'The current rule of thumb is that the deeper the saffron corm is planted the better the quality of spice is produced.'


http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-grow-saffron-crocus-crocus.html

[PurplePixie]

Hmmm.... I know I did plant them about that deep. I've moved them round to an even sunnier spot so I'll see if they pick up a bit 

[jrko]

hope that works.  We use quite a bit of saffron so would look to buy for next year.

Let us know how it goes

[sunshineband]

You would need to grow a lot of crocuses to get usuabel amounts of saffron really  :blink:

[jrko]

I aint gonna get rich??? 

at least offset some of the costs then maybe!

[sunshineband]

I aint gonna get rich??? 

at least offset some of the costs then maybe!

Maybe ... 

[VegGirl7]

I planted some saffron crocus bulbs about july/august last year in a big terracotta pot and they have shot up but they are so leggy that they just look like thick, flopped over grass  

They're about 12/14 inches tall but look a bit daft!

Should I chop them down a bit?, feed them? .... any brilliant rescue ideas or is this normal?!

Ta Muchly,
PP

Hi PurplePixie, I also grow saffron and this is exactly what has happened to mine for the last 3-4 years so I'm assuming it's normal...  

They're an autumn flowering crocus and the long leaves last well into the spring and will dye off of their own accord - I believe the leaves create the energy that will be stored in the bulbs over summer ready for them to flower the following autumn (just like daffs and other bulbs do, but in spring)

also like other bulbs they will divide so you will get more, in time - still possible to make those millions - that's what I keep telling myself, anyway    

edit, added: just read it's actually a 'corm' not a 'bulb' - but they're kinda the same, aren't they?? 

[mattwragg94]

this is going to soundlike daft question, but why do they only collect safron from one variety of crocus.

[VegGirl7]

erm... because the other's are poisonous (sorry, don't mean for that to sound offensive, just can't think of another way to put it     

[mattwragg94]

really, it seems strange that only one variety of crocus edible.

[PurplePixie]

still possible to make those millions - that's what I keep telling myself, anyway    

Not bothered about making millions .... just the odd good pilau 

[sunshineband]

really, it seems strange that only one variety of crocus edible.

I'm not going to test them out 

[chrisnchris]

Interesting topic, I would like to try this & have done a quick search of Suttons & Dobies but neither seem to have the saffron bulbs.........any ideas where I might get some from.
Thanks all
Chris

[PurplePixie]

Mine were a pressie and I think they were from Homebase but they have none in stock right now ...a quick google search should find a site with them on