On Sun, 19 Oct 2014 13:56:45 -0700, sf > wrote:


snip
>I know people have said saffron crocuses are easy to grow, but I beg
>to differ. My son in law ordered 20 bulbs from a reputable dealer and
>gave me a few. Out of the 20, zero came up. Zero. That was the one
>and only time we tried to grow our own. If it was easy, you *know*
>American farmers would be growing it for profit because we go where
>the money is. Once Americans enter the saffron market, harvesting and
>processing will be automated and the price will plummet.

IMO it is an ugly flower and plant. Over the years I have seen it at
many houses here. The stem is very leggy, the leaf is almost
non-existent and generally the flower is large and not very well put
together. The stamens are the most prominent part of the whole
thing. However, the bright orange is very off-putting on a lavender
plant. So if you are going to get a bunch of bulbs, put them
someplace where display is not important.
Janet US