Where Can I Purchase Saffron to Grow Myself?

Growing

• The only crocus that produces saffron is the Crocus sativus, the only fall-flowering variety. The plants grow from a corm, which is similar to a bulb. Crocus Sativus is cold hardy to minus 15 degrees F, or U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 5B. Corms multiply rapidly and should be divided every year.

Harvest

• Harvest the bright red stigmas from the flowers in the morning when the blooms open. Crocus sativus flowers only last 15 days, so don't put off the harvest. After harvest, dry the stigmas for storage and place in a sealed jar. According to Washington State University Master Gardener Wallace Howell, it takes about 12 flowers to produce enough stamens to flavor one batch of paella.

Purchasing Plants

• The bulbs or corms are available from online retailers such as Amazon.com, American Meadows and Willow Creek Gardens. Be certain you are buying Crocus sativus when you purchase your corms, or the stigmas you harvest will not be saffron.