Crocus corms will grow best in hot climates, with a hardiness zone of 6-9. Local nurseries within these zones are more likely to carry crocus corms.
You can til the soil prior to planting in order to loosen it.
Be sure to choose a container with drainage holes or add them if it doesn’t have any. Line plastic milk crates with weed cloth and secure with duct tape. Fill your milk crates with about 5 inches (13 cm) of topsoil.
Check a farmer’s almanac or ask local gardeners if you need help determining when to expect a deep frost in your region.
If you are using containers, each milk crate can hold 1 group of 10-12 corms.
If using containers, place your corm on top of the 5 inches (13 cm) of soil you already added to the container. Then cover your corms with another 2 inches (5. 1 cm) of soil.
Start by watering your corms 1-2 times per week. Several times a week, insert 2 fingers into the soil to gauge the moistness. If there is standing water more than a day after watering, begin watering just once a week. If your soil is completely dry (not moist) within a day, begin watering 3 times per week.
Bonemeal, compost, or aged manure are good fertilizer choices.
Although crocus flowers should appear 6-8 weeks after planting your bulbs, sometimes the flowers will not appear until the following fall, a full year after you plant your bulbs. In some cases, planting in spring can produce blooms in the fall.
Dried saffron should be kept in a cool, dry place. You can store saffron in an airtight container for up to 5 years.
Adding the stigmas along with the liquid allows them to release more color and flavor into your food.
