What Is Crocus Sativus?

History

• The origin of the saffron crocus remains somewhat of a mystery, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. The flower has been in cultivation since early times, possibly originating in ancient Greece from a species known as Crocus cartwrightianus. Commercial production of the saffron crocus now takes place mostly in Iran and Spain; as much as 80 percent of all saffron is from these two nations, while India and Greece also generate the spice.

Features

• The saffron crocus develops from a bulb, growing to heights between 4 and 6 inches. The flowers resemble an upright cup, blooming from early fall into the middle of autumn for as long as one to two weeks when they finally flower. The blooms are a lilac-purple color, with each flower featuring three stigmas that resemble tiny branches, extending beyond the flower cup. The flowers close up at night, only to reopen when morning dawns. The leaves resemble blades of grass, green and growing from the base of the plant.

Growing Conditions

• This is not a difficult species to grow. Plant it in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 8. Dry summers are ideal for the saffron crocus. The crocus thrives in full sun, but handles some shade. Well-draining soil is a requirement for this flower, as it will not grow in mediums such as heavy clay or those that are constantly wet. Plant your bulbs 2 to 4 inches deep into the ground, as far apart as 4 inches in the later part of summer or the beginning of fall. These are sterile plants, unable to generate any seeds, so they will not reproduce on their own.

Uses

• Employ the saffron crocus to provide your fall landscape with color. Group them in flowerbeds, or place them in your rock gardens, herb gardens or perennial borders. If saffron is a spice you enjoy, then carefully remove the stigmas from the flowers using a pair of tweezers. Dry them out and place them in an airtight plastic bowl for seasoning such foods as rice and risotto. Remember, however, that you will only get a very small amount of saffron from your flowers.