As Good as Gold: Growing Your Own Saffron

Saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) is highly prized for the scarlet-colored stigmas in the center of its lavender flowers. When dried, these threadlike stigmas become saffron, the world's most expensive spice at $171 to $357 per ounce.

Why so costly? It takes around 4,000 hand-harvested stigmas to yield 1 ounce. But the corms cost only about 50 cents each and don't need chilling like spring-blooming crocus. For flowers in late September or October, plant them right after purchase. Plant corms 3–4 inches deep and 6 inches apart in rich, well-drained soil in full sun with no summer water. When a flower is fully open, its three stigmas are ready to harvest. Dry them on a paper napkin for 1½–2 days until almost crumbly; store in a sealed jar in a cool, dry place.

One Source: Brent and Becky's Bulbs (877/661-2852).