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saffron crocus failing?

KarmageorginaKarmageorgina Posts: 16
in Problem solving

I've got 60 bulbs of saffron crocus in my back garden in pots with a gravel top layer. foliage is plentyful and they look in great condition. the problem I'm having is flowering.  I had about 10-15 flowers early december then I persume it became too cold, but should they not be flowering again now? Has anybody had a similar problem? Or can anybody offer some advice or info about what is going on?

Thank you kindly in advance.

 

Extra info. Bulbs purchesed from suttons.

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  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,076

    True saffron crocus flower in the late autumn. They will start to die down about now and will be dormant during the spring and summer and should be kept fairly dry, then in the late summer/early autumn start watering and they will form new buds and flower late autumn.image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • flowering roseflowering rose Posts: 1,632

    my crocus have not flowered but I have leaves that's all.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,076

    Flowering rose, are we talking Saffron crocus here?  If so the weather last year may not have helped - they need a dry summer image.  Or it may be that the corms may have been a little immature.  Try to let them dry off over the summer and hopefully they'll spring into life next autumn image 


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,296

    I've never succeeded with these. I lived in Saffron Walden for years, where it was grown on a commercial scale in the past, but still couldn't keep it. 



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 86,076

    I think summers were warmer and drier back then image  If I were going to grow it in the UK I'd look for a free-draining south-facing slope.


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Naomi2Naomi2 Posts: 2

    I grew them on a window sill in my flat last autumn, but have now moved to a house with a garden. When should I plant out the bulbs in the garden and should I just leave them drying out in the pots until then or should I continue to water them? Would be grateful for any advice!

  • Lottie LinLottie Lin Posts: 2

    Planted mine about 2 or 3 years ago on the allotment.  Have only ever had one flower.

    Thinking of digging them up and putting them in a big pot instead...

  • Jim MacdJim Macd Posts: 750

    They need to be baked by the sun to flower, they want full sun and good drainage and warm soil, people advise covering them with black chippings. Personally I'd feel I'd turned my garden into a graveyard if I did that but it is supposed to help. I've not had mine long enough to really comment from experience. I got mine from Parker bulbs, maybe it's nothing to do with me. image It doesn't look like any of us are going to be making it rich on Saffron anytime soon. image

  • gardenninggrannygardenninggranny Posts: 803

    I visited a saffron farm a couple of years ago - up in the mountains in the Pyranees.  The bulbs were grown on a steep slope facing the sun, in somewhat barren ground. As has been said already, they need to roast in the summer, then the autumn rains will bring them into growth, and flower.  The flowers were over quite quickly after which the plants quickly looked rather dejected.  Probably not the best bulb to grow if you're after nice flowers.

    I planted some up in my garden, but lost them all after a year - too wet, I think.

  • Naomi2Naomi2 Posts: 2

    Mine grew well on a window sill last autumn. Beautiful flowers and saffron but each only lasted 4 or 5 days. I'll plant them out now and see if they do as well in the garden. Thanks all

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