How to Grow & Produce Saffron Spice

Plant saffron in a site that receives at least six hours of warm sun per day. Saffron crocus thrives in full, hot sun to produce the most flowers, which is where the spice strands originate.

Loosen the top 12 inches of soil, using a rotary tiller. Add two to three bags of potting soil enriched with sand, perlite and peat moss. One or two more bags of potting soil may be needed, depending upon the size of the growing site.

Incorporate the potting soil into the existing, loosened earth, using a shovel. Thoroughly mix the two soils to get an aerated growing site that will increase water drainage.

Dig 4-inch deep holes, spaced 4 inches apart within the growing site, using a garden hand trowel.

Place one saffron crocus bulb in each hole, roots pointing downward and the nose facing upward. If the roots and nose are indistinguishable from each other, place the saffron crocus bulbs on their sides within the hole. The saffron bulbs will right themselves as they grow.

Pack excess soil on top of the saffron bulbs, and water with a watering can until the soil is moist. Do not water the saffron bulbs again until they receive their first set of leaves. After their leaves have grown, water regularly to keep the soil moist.

Spread a 2-inch layer of hay over the growing site.

Apply a liquid fertilizer to the saffron plants at the beginning of the fall, according to the package instructions.

Harvest the saffron spice by picking the red stigmas within the flower bloom. Pick the stigmas as soon as the saffron flowers open, usually beginning at the start of September.

Spread the stigmas out on newspaper in a well-protected location in the sun. After the saffron has dried in the sun, store them in a dark, airtight location.