Biologische saffraankrokus bollen van Bloemoloog.nl

Autumn bloomers

Organic saffron crocus

Crocus sativus – saffron crocus

Crocus sativus is an autumn-flowering crocus known for its valuable red stigmas. Its pale purple flowers appear in late October and early November, providing both saffron and late-season food for bees. The narrow leaves are about flower-height during flowering and remain green into spring. Growing and harvesting saffron is labour-intensive, but produces a distinctive spice.

Care and planting advice

For planting and care instructions, see our Crocus sativus product page.

Autumn-flowering crocus

Do not confuse saffron crocus with other autumn-flowering plants such as Crocus speciosus or the poisonous Colchicum autumnale.

Culinary use

Saffron adds a golden colour and a distinctive flavour to dishes. When a flower opens, carefully collect the red threads with tweezers. They can be dried for fifteen minutes in an oven at 50°C. Then store the saffron in an airtight jar for a month to allow the aroma to develop. Use it to flavour and colour dishes such as paella, cake or soup.

Storing saffron

Properly stored saffron keeps for about two to three years. Keep the threads in an airtight jar in a dark, dry place, away from moisture and strong smells. Flavour and colour can weaken over time, so preferably use within two years for the best quality.

Research into saffron

Saffron has long attracted interest for its possible effects on mood and mental well-being. It is being studied in relation to symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as conditions including obesity, Alzheimer’s disease and certain eye disorders. These areas of research should not be confused with established treatment benefits.

Safranal contributes to saffron’s characteristic aroma, while crocin gives it colour. Research also examines their possible effects on mood, oxidation and inflammation.

Origin of saffron crocus

Crocus sativus is a hybrid that does not occur in the wild. The name “sativus” means “cultivated”. It probably originated on Crete thousands of years ago from Crocus cartwrightianus and has been cultivated ever since.

Where does the name saffron come from?

In ancient Egypt, saffron was valued as a spice and fabric dye and used in religious rituals and embalming. The Arabic word “asfar” means yellow, while “za’ferân” refers to colouring something yellow. Like turmeric, saffron has long been valued for its aroma, colour and flavour.

The world’s most expensive spice

Saffron’s value once made it a means of payment and a status symbol. Its high price has also encouraged adulteration. Today, the labour-intensive harvest still makes it one of the most expensive spices: each fragile red stigma must be collected by hand, resulting in a small yield.

Buying organic saffron corms

Bloemoloog offers only organically grown saffron crocus corms. Size 10/11 means a circumference of at least 10 cm. These corms can produce two flowers each.

When to order

Order saffron crocus corms at Bloemoloog.nl from June to 15 September. Dispatch begins in September so they can flower the same year.

Buying at the market

From August to 15 September, choose saffron crocus corms directly from our crates at the market.

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Autumn bloomers

  • Autumn flowering bulbs and tubers

    When late in the year almost everything has finished blooming, there are still plenty of gems that brighten up the garden. Discover our beautiful selection of autumn flowering bulbs, exclusively from organic cultivation for a healthy and blooming garden.

    Which flowers bloom in autumn?

    Dahlias offer a plethora of colours, shapes and sizes to bring your garden to life in the autumn. From graceful pompom dahlias to imposing ornamental dahlias and elegant cactus dahlias, there is a variety to suit every taste and style. Enjoy lush flower heads and beautiful petals that give your garden a warm and vibrant look.

    The saffron crocus, known for its culinary value, also offers an enchanting autumn bloom. This special flower produces bright red pistils, which are also known as the precious saffron.

    Where is the best place to plant autumn bloomers?

    If you are planning to plant fall bloomers in your garden, it is important to know what kind of sunlight they need. This will ensure that your fall bloomers remain healthy and productive.

    Dahlia: Dahlias are a popular choice for fall bloomers and come in a wide variety of colors. They do well in full sun and partial shade.

    Saffron crocus: This special crocus produces the real spice saffron from the flower. It prefers full sun.

    Preparation

    To ensure that a plant and its flowers develop optimally, the soil could be fed in advance. We recommend Bio-Kultura for this.

  • When do I plant autumn bloomers?

    Plant the autumn bulbs in the ground in the spring. Plant the flower bulbs and round tubers 2 to 3 times as deep as the bulb or tuber itself is. With dahlia tubers, spread the tubers over the ground and cover them with about 2 to 5 centimetres of soil. Give sufficient water after planting.

    Planting time summer:

    Some fall flowering bulbs are planted in summer or early fall for fall flowering. Think of the saffron crocus, for example.

    Choosing organic autumn bloomers

    All autumn bulbs in our collection are organically grown, with attention to the preservation of the natural environment and the promotion of a healthy ecosystem. By choosing organically grown flower bulbs you contribute to a more sustainable garden and a healthier living environment.

    Buy organic autumn bloomers

    From January to June, the dahlia tubers can be ordered and from June to October, the saffron bulbs can be ordered at Bloemoloog.nl.

    Buy autumn flowers at the market

    If you would like to come and pick out the flower bulbs yourself at one of our markets, you can do so from January to June, when dahlias are available, and from August to October, while stocks last, saffron crocuses are available.