Crocus sativus is the crocus grown to produce saffron, a luxury spice cultivated since the late Bronze Age. Elegant, purple, cup shaped flowers, up to four per bulb, bloom in October. Spectacular in drifts. Corms grow in fertile, well-drained soil, with full sun and warm, dry summers while dormant. To prepare the spice, trim the three scarlet filaments from the flowers when they appear, dry 15 minutes at 40-60C (100-140F) and allow to age 1 month in a dark, airtight container. Fresh saffron has no flavour. North of zone 6 it can be over wintered indoors in a cool place.
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