?? Crocus FF sativus – Saffron Crocus (5 bulbs) – Purple flowers with hearts of gold ? Offered by Van Noort
Crocus FF sativus , also called the saffron crocus , unfurls its light, precious, lilac-mauve flowers in autumn, marked by intense red stigmas that dance in the wind like fine silk threads. Each flower only lives for a few days, but its heart contains the red gold of the garden: saffron .
It is the only species of crocus used to produce this rare and fragrant condiment—and each thread harvested is the result of a meticulous gesture, done by hand, flower by flower , at the exact moment of blooming. It takes nearly 150 flowers for a single gram of saffron , which explains its value and nobility. In addition to its culinary function, this crocus is an ornamental marvel , flowering in autumn, full of sweetness and delicacy.
?? Product Features
?? Average height : 10 to 15 cm
?? Exposure : Full sun
?? Hardiness : Zone 6 and above
?? Attracts wildlife : Few, but attracts the attention of foodies
?? Water requirements : Low
?? Ideal soil : Light, well-drained, chalky or sandy
?? Quantity : 5 bulbs
?? Planting and growing Crocus FF sativus – Saffron Crocus
?? When to plant? From August to September, for flowering in October-November
?? In open ground : Perfect in a well-exposed bed , a herb garden or a sunny border for a delicate and decorative harvest
?? In a pot : Ideal in a deep, drained pot, on a balcony or terrace, for easy, accessible cultivation
?? How to plant?
1?? Depth : 10 to 12 cm
2?? Spacing : 10 cm
3?? Watering : Very light, unnecessary during the dry summer period
?? Crocus FF sativus care – Saffron Crocus
?? Watering : Not necessary in summer (vegetative rest), resume gently in autumn
?? Fertilizer : Light application at the end of summer if the soil is poor
?? Pruning : Harvest the flowers in the morning, cut the leaves the following spring
?? Wintering : No care required, hardy in mild climates
?? Why choose Crocus FF sativus – Saffron Crocus?
? Unique, purple and precious autumn bloom
? Only edible crocus to produce real saffron
? Ideal for vegetable gardens, balconies, borders or growing in containers
? Brings rare beauty , gourmet history and pride of home harvest
? Offer the red gold of the garden , the lightness of autumn and the magic of cooking with Crocus FF sativus – Saffron Crocus, proposed by Van Noort — a noble, refined and surprisingly poetic variety. ?
?? To be married with...
Aromatic herbs , thyme balls , or variegated mints , for a sensory and edible scene, between cuisine, nature and delicacy. ??
? Harvesting your own saffron: a precious gesture, a scent of history ?
Saffron , also called red gold , comes exclusively from Crocus sativus , an autumn flower with mauve petals and a flamboyant heart. Contrary to popular belief, not all crocuses produce edible saffron : only the sativus , sterile and cultivated by man since Antiquity, offers these three red stigmas which are carefully harvested.
?? When to harvest?
Flowering takes place in October-November , sometimes as early as the end of September depending on the region. The flower opens in the morning: this is the perfect time to harvest , by hand, gently lifting the petals to collect the three red filaments .
?? How many flowers?
It takes about 150 flowers for 1 gram of dried saffron . This ratio explains its high price , but also the symbolic and sensory value of each harvest. Growing your own saffron, even in small quantities, adds an intimate, gourmet and ancestral dimension to the garden.
?? How to dry and store?
The fresh stigmas are gently placed on absorbent paper, in a dry place, away from sunlight, for 10 to 15 days . Once dry, they are stored in a small airtight jar , away from light. The fragrance develops over time: it is recommended to wait at least a month before using it in cooking.
?? Little poetic tip: Saffron loves slow recipes, like risottos, infusions, breads or milk desserts. It distils its golden color , its warm and slightly honeyed aroma , and a memory of manual harvesting that no industrial spice can ever replace…