Everyone is familiar with Crocus, the herald of spring. However, Saffron Saffron is a fall flowering species that yields an important spice.
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Saffron yellow spice is obtained from the flowers of Crocus saffron, Crocus sativus. It is an important spice for color and flavor of certain foods, and was also once used for coloring. In fact, the genus name is crocus Crocus Greek and means “.”
Source unknown
The Crocus genus is found mainly in the Mediterranean region, but extends as far east as Afghanistan. The birthplace of Crocus sativus is uncertain but is believed to Asia Minor. It has been known in culture for thousands of years and was even mentioned in the Bible. Crocus Saffron is grown commercially in many parts of the world, but the saffron first quality comes from southeastern Spain.
It flowers in autumn
In general, crocuses can be divided into two groups: winter and spring flower species. Many people are familiar with spring-blooming types. Usually the first flowers that bloom in spring, often while snow still appear is on the floor. His arrival is greeted warmly after the long, cold winter.
Saffron Crocus part of the fall flowering group. Flowers and the leaves begin to appear at the same time, usually around October. The grass-like leaves will eventually reach a length of 1-1 1 / 2 feet, but the 1 1/2-2 inch width of flowers rise just over an inch above the ground. The fragrant flowers are lavender or purple-red petals spread. The styles have three blood long stigma lobes red, fall, from which yellow saffron harvest. The anthers are bright yellow, but they are a source of the spice.
Unusual Spice
Although not widely used, saffron is a crucial ingredient, however in certain dishes. Many Spanish dishes, the paella in particular demand of saffron. Saffron is also used in fish and rice soup color and flavor.
The spice is obtained from the lobes of stigma red flowers. They must be picked by hand and about 70,000 flowers are required to make a pound of spice. It is easy to see why saffron is the most expensive all spices!
Through the years with the saffron Crocus
Growing up in a pot or windowbox, or in the garden, which will resistant only in the south. Saffron requires full sun and blooms best in areas with hot summers.
Plant in July-August
Plant the bulbs as soon as you can get. Put them in a rich, sandy mix of soil drainage. Use regular potting soil with 25% extra sand added, or a mixture of equal parts of peat, sand and perlite or pumice. Plant six to eight bulbs in a six-inch pot, three to four inches deep. Water thoroughly, but not again until the leaves appear. Place the pot in a sunny and warm.
Blooms in September-November
The flowers and the leaves begin to appear September-November, depending on when the bulbs are planted. Flowering lasts for about four weeks. Water regularly and not allow the soil to dry. A single application liquid fertilizer is all that is needed.
December-April Green
Continue watering regularly, but do not let the wet or becoming leave standing the pot in water. The yellow leaves begin to wilt and by early spring and watering should be reduced.
Divide in May-June
Lift and divide the bulbs at least every two to three years or even annually. Clean the bulbs and replant immediately in fresh soil. Place the pot on a hot, sunny spot during the summer and not water until the leaves reappear in the fall.
How Saffron harvest
Choose the stigmata as soon as the flowers open. Immediately dry in the sun in the paper or on screens over lower heat. As soon as saffron is dried, store it in an airtight container away from light.
Plant Doctor
Crocuses are rarely attacked by pests or diseases, but if grown in the air free, the protection of birds and small animals.
No flowers. The plants have either not had enough sun, or are not divided often enough. Keep the pot in a warm and sunny in summer.
Rot the bulbs. The soil is too heavy or is kept too moist during the summer period of lethargy. The plant in a sandy soil, porous and keep dry after the foliage withers.
Buying Tips
Saffron Crocus in general must be ordered by mail order nursery bulb. Order and the plant as soon as possible.
Duration: Years, if you divide frequently.
Season: Autumn.
Difficulty quotient: It’s not particularly easy.
Coming Soon
Size and growth rate
Perennial, deciduous plants cormous with 1-1 1 / sheets of 2 meters long grassy. New bulbs are formed each year at the top of the old.
Flowering and fragrance
1 1/2-2 inch wide fragrant flowers grow near the ground. They are lavender or red-purple with yellow anthers and stigma lobes red saffron yield.
Light and temperature
Saffron Crocus need for a large amount of heat to produce flowers, plants in the warmest place, sunniest spot available.
Watering and feeding
Water regularly during the growing season and reduce watering as the foliage withers. Keep dry in summer. Little fertilizer is needed: an application to the top of the growing season is sufficient.
Soil and transplanting
Sandy, well drained soil is necessary. Regular use potting soil with or mix some sand added equal parts of sand, peat moss and perlite. Plants should be lifted and divided in early summer each year, or at least every two or three years. Replant immediately.
Grooming
None, except the harvest of saffron, if desired.
Multiplication
For the division.
Environment
Saffron Crocus is an interesting and unusual species of plants grow best in a window hot sun in a pot or windowbox outdoors or planted in the garden.
For information on Choosing, Cultivating, Preserving and Using Herbs, please read my Fresh Herbal Guide at http://freshherbalguide.blogspot.com/
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