Over there at !hydroponics@slrpnk.net I already posted a few updates concerning my saffron.
I originally planned to plant a few bulbs of saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) into my hydroponic setups, but also placed the other half or so into soil outside.
One of the bulbs, and probably the only one this year, started flowering just a few weeks after planting them.
Funnily, it started blooming just when the very first snow hit!
I harvested the only three strands, which is typical, and ate one right away. It tasted like nothing. Maybe they need drying and curing first, I don't know 🤷
This is so rad. Where does one get saffron bulbs? What time of year to plant?
I bought them at my local garden center here in Germany, but you can get them easily online (especially Amazon) too.
Just make sure they are labeled specifically as saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) and not ornamental crocus.
From what I've heard, they are multiplying themselves passively and without much needed care, so I would recommend you to check out your local community of hobby gardeners first, maybe they will share some of theirs ;)
It is recommended to plant them at around August to October. I planted them a bit too late probably, maybe that's why almost no others have bloomed yet.