Collection: Organic saffron crocus

Organic saffron crocus

The Crocus 'Sativus' is the only true saffron crocus and is a beautiful sight late in the fall. It blooms around the end of October, beginning of November, when the tuber is replanted in the ground and blooms a little earlier if the tubers have been in the ground for a year. The flower itself grows to about 15 centimeters high and blooms in a light purple color with yellow stamens and the saffron that are the red pistils (stigmas). The narrow leaves are as high as the flower during flowering, but continue to grow after flowering until April after which they die off naturally. A good source of food for bees late in the year.

Saffron crocus tubers of XL quality

The Bloemoloog offers large quality tubers, 11 centimeters in size with sometimes 2 flowers from a tuber and yes, they really give saffron! The large tubers have so much power that they can even bloom indoors on a saucer without soil and without water due to the heat. Plant them in the garden immediately after flowering so that they can regain their strength.

Autumn flowering crocus

Do not confuse the saffron crocus with another autumn flowering crocus such as the Crocus 'Speciosus' or the poisonous Colchicum 'Autumnale' which also blooms in autumn!

Culinary use

Adding saffron to dishes not only gives a beautiful golden color, but also adds a unique flavor. As soon as the flower opens, the red threads (stigmas or pistils) can be harvested with tweezers. These can be dried in the oven for fifteen minutes at 50 degrees Celsius. Then store the saffron for a month in an airtight jar, so that the aromas can fully develop. After this, it is ready to be used in the kitchen, to give dishes color and flavor. It adds a delicious flavor to, for example, paella, cake or soup!

When do I plant saffron crocus bulbs?

The saffron crocus bulbs are planted from August to September 16. The planting depth is 2 to 3 times the height of the bulb itself and the planting distance is 2 to 3 times the width of the bulb itself. Plant it in groups for a beautiful effect. The best location is in full sun. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day so it can gain strength for the following year.

Plant her in a nutrient-rich, water-permeable soil. Loam soil is acceptable, preferably a loose sandy soil. The soil should not be too heavy, as the water must be able to drain well to prevent tuber rot.

Caring for saffron crocus

The tubers can remain in the ground for several years of flowering. For best results, remove the tubers from the ground in June or July and store them in a warm place in the shed. Replant the tubers in September. If necessary, provide annual organic food for best results.

For organic potting soil, plant food or other soil improvers we recommend Bio-Kultura !

Propagating Saffron Crocus

Crocus 'Sativus' does not propagate by seed because it is an infertile (sterile triploid) hybrid. During flowering, new corms grow on top of the old corm. These can be separated from each other in early summer and replanted in different places in August or September.

Medicinal use

Saffron is used for its mood-enhancing effects in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and several other conditions such as obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain eye conditions. These medicinal properties are due to the presence of safranal and crocin , substances that occur naturally in saffron. Safranal is an aromatic compound that is responsible for the characteristic smell of saffron. It also has proven antidepressant and sedative properties. Crocin, on the other hand, is a carotenoid pigment that is responsible for the intense color of saffron and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Origin of the saffron crocus

The Crocus 'Sativus' is a hybrid (cross) that does not occur in the wild. Thousands of years ago, around the Bronze Age, it probably originated on Crete through plant breeding and has been cultivated ever since.

Origin of the name 'saffron'

One of the oldest known cultures to use saffron was ancient Egypt, where it was prized as a precious spice, as well as a dye for fabrics. Saffron was used in temples for religious ceremonies and rituals, and there is even evidence of its use in the embalming of mummies. Interestingly, the Arabic word “asfar” means “yellow,” while “za’ferân” means “to dye with yellow.” This suggests that saffron, like turmeric, has been used by Eastern cultures for centuries as both a colorant and a flavoring agent.

Most expensive spice in the world

Saffron was not only valued for its flavor and color, but also for its high value. It was used as currency, a commodity, and even a status symbol. This sometimes led to speculation and counterfeiting, with traders attempting to pass off substandard products as genuine saffron. Today, saffron remains one of the most expensive spices in the world, largely due to the labor-intensive harvesting process. It still requires hand-picking of the fragile stigmas, resulting in limited and costly yields.

Buy organic saffron bulbs

At Bloemoloog you can only get organically grown tubers of the saffron crocus. This way you can really enjoy the saffron. It concerns bulb size 10/11. This means that the tubers have a circumference of at least 10 centimeters and then even 2 flowers per tuber, with a high yield of saffron can give.

When can I order saffron crocus?

From June to September 15, the saffron crocus bulbs can be ordered on Bloemoloog.nl. The order is sent from September, so that they will flower the same year.

Buy saffron crocus at the market

From August to September 15, you can pick the saffron crocuses yourself from the mesh containers at our market .