Hi everyone! I'm looking for some advice on growing saffron, which I've heard is fantastic for brain health, especially when paired with Curcumin or Zinc. However, saffron is super pricey, so I'm considering growing it myself. I've read that saffron crocus dies back in summer and blooms in the fall. I want to plant companion plants for summer color as my saffron grows, and my gardening spot is on the east side with lots of shade except for some nice morning sun. I thought about using creeping thyme since it might help deter pests and die back enough to let the saffron pop through. But I'm curious—does creeping thyme become too aggressive over time, potentially shading the saffron? I'm open to other annual wildflowers too if they would work better. I want my saffron to thrive and to add some color throughout the year. Any thoughts? Thanks! Also, I plan to use saffron in hot water and alcohol extraction along with mushrooms, and I'd love to have a decent amount of saffron for that, though it's quite expensive!
1 Answer
I've tried growing saffron too! A few years ago, I planted some corms in a raised bed that was partially shaded, alongside chives and an ostrich fern. The first year was awesome—I managed to get a few saffron strands. But then the following year, they didn’t flower, and by the third year, they disappeared entirely. I think the shade and dampness may have rotted the corms. If you have space in full sun with good drainage, I’d definitely recommend trying that! Just remember those grassy leaves will be around for a while, which might mean the groundcovers around them get a bit sparse since they’ll be shaded.
Thanks so much for your insight! The area I chose drains really well, so I might try planting in two areas to compare. My wife wants me to take it slow, but I'm eager to see how it goes!