sativus

The original ‘Saffron Crocus’. Long red stigmas which are used for flavouring and colouring food. Needs planting 12-15cm deep and full sun. Flowering time October. Height 4″ (10cm). Please order early.

When the crocuses are in flower in autumn, harvest the saffron strands by removing the long, deep- red stigmas using tweezers. (Each flower produces only three stigmas, so be careful.) Allow the harvested stigmas to dry out thoroughly by arranging them on a paper towel and leaving them for a few days in a warm, dry place, then store in an air-tight container. Use very sparingly in a wide range of dishes, both savoury and sweet, where they will add colour and flavour.