Safran

Prefers a well-drained sandy or loamy soil that is free from clay. Prefers a sunny position. Grows well on calcareous soils and on hot sheltered stony banks. Plants are very frost hardy. They also thrive in areas with poor summers, though they usually fail to flower in such conditions. Plants produce less saffron when grown on rich soils. They do not flower very freely in Britain. Saffron has been cultivated for over 4,000 years for the edible dye obtained from the flower stigmas. It was at one time commercially grown in Britain and the town Saffron Walden obtained its name because of this. There is at least one named form. 'Cashmirianus' comes from Kashmir and has large high quality corms. It yields about 27 kilos of rich orange stigmas per hectare. When inhaled near to, the flowers have a delicate perfume. Unlike most members of this genus, the flowers do not close of a night time or in dull weather. The flowers are only produced after hot, dry summers. Plants tend to move considerably from their original planting place because of their means of vegetative reproduction, it is therefore wise not to grow different species in close proximity. Any planting out is best done in late spring or early summer. Plants take 4 - 5 years to come into flowering from seed. The plant is heat tolerant in zones 8 through 1. (Plant Hardiness Zones show how well plants withstand cold winter temperatures. Plant Heat Zones show when plants would start suffering from the heat. The Plant Heat Zone map is based on the number of "heat days" experienced in a given area where the temperature climbs to over 86 degrees F (30°C). At this temperature, many plants begin to suffer physiological damage. Heat Zones range from 1 (no heat days) to 12 (210 or more heat days). For example Heat Zone. 11-1 indicates that the plant is heat tolerant in zones 11 through 1.) For polyculture design as well as the above-ground architecture (form - tree, shrub etc. and size shown above) information on the habit and root pattern is also useful and given here if available. The plant growth habit is a runner spreading indefinitely by rhizomes or stolons [1-2]. The root pattern is a corm swelling at the stem base [1-2]. Crocus sativus is self-fertile and can produce seeds without cross-pollination. Saffron is typically harvested in autumn when the flowers bloom. Crocus sativus flowers in the autumn, producing blooms shortly after the corms have been planted. Saffron has a moderate growth rate. The corms take about 6 to 8 weeks to establish before flowering, with full growth from planting to harvest generally taking around 6 months.

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Colouring Condiment Tea The flower styles are commonly used as a flavouring and yellow colouring for various foods such as bread, soups, sauces, rice and puddings. They are an essential ingredient of many traditional dishes such as paella, bouillabaisse, risotto milanese and various other Italian dishes. The styles are extremely rich in riboflavin. Water soluble. Yields per plant are extremely low, about 4000 stigmas yield 25g of saffron. Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, it takes 150,000 flowers and 400 hours work to produce 1 kilo of dried saffron. About 25 kilos of styles can be harvested from a hectare of the plant. Fortunately, only very small quantities of the herb are required to impart their colour and flavour to dishes. Because of the cost, saffron is frequently adulterated with cheaper substitutes such as marigold flowers and safflower. The flower styles are used as a tea substitute. Root - cooked. The corms are toxic to young animals so this report of edibility should be treated with some caution[K].

Dye Saffron can be used in agroforestry systems as a companion plant to enhance biodiversity and attract pollinators. It is also beneficial for soil health due to its deep root system. The yellow dye obtained from the stigmas has been used for many centuries to colour cloth. It is the favoured colouring for the cloth of Indian swamis who have renounced the material world. A blue or green dye is obtained from the petals. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – Saffron flowers are attractive to pollinators and produce nectar, which can attract bees and other beneficial insects. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): No – While the flowers are beautiful, Crocus sativus does not produce edible fruit or seeds. It does not provide significant habitat for nesting or shelter. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): No – Saffron does not provide substantial shelter or overwintering sites for invertebrates. The plant is primarily grown for its flowers and the harvested saffron threads. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Saffron does not have a strong smell that would deter pests or confuse them in the way that some other plants do.

Heimisch: Europe & Northern Asia (excluding China), Greece, Manizales, NO Eingeführt: Belgium, CZ, Czech Republic, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Great Britain, HR, IN, Iran, Italy, Malta, Morocco, Pakistan, Spain, TW, The Netherlands, Turkey (in Europe), Türkiye, West Himalaya