A sterile, autumn-blooming species grown for its aromatic red-orange stigmas—harvested as saffron, the world's most expensive spice. Each bloom yields just three delicate threads, requiring hundreds of flowers to produce usable quantities.

Growing Tips at a Glance

• Planting Season: Late summer / early fall, for bloom within 6–8 weeks

• Conditions: Full sun, well-draining fertile soil, minimal watering needed

• Spacing & Depth: Corms set about 3–4 inches apart and deep for protection 

• Harvest: Saffron threads are hand-picked mid-morning when flowers open—only the stigmas are used