Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is a deciduous perennial grown from a corm for its flower styles, dried and used as a spice and yellow food colouring. It isn’t known in the wild, but is grown commercially in cold semi-arid Khorasan in Iran, which alone produces roughly 90% of the world’s saffron, and traditionally in the Mediterranean fields of Spain’s La Mancha. The corms are edible when cooked but should be treated with caution. Its deep root system helps hold soil in place, and its flowers attract bees and other pollinators.
Inputs
- Hardiness zone 51
- Hardiness zone 61
- Hardiness zone 71
- Hardiness zone 81
- Hardiness zone 91
- Full sun1
- Semi-shade1
- Well drained soil1
- Moist soil1