Saffron is a garden flower, more precisely, an ornamental bulbous plant, which is best known under the name "crocus". Its height is up to 10 cm.
Early in spring, when there is still no greenery at all, multi-colored representatives of the iris family - crocuses - appear in the clearings. But there are also some of them that decorate the flower beds with their flowering in autumn. There are saffrons of various colors: white and yellow, orange and lilac, cream and purple, blue and purple. The duration of flowering of crocuses depends directly on the ambient temperature (the hotter, the faster it ends) and on the varietal characteristics of each specimen.
Very decorative saffron (flower) on alpine hills or under trees. You can use them in group mixed plantings with snowdrops, blueberries or corydalis. Against the background of an even green lawn, multi-colored spots of delicate flowers will look very touching.
It grows in the sun in fertile soil. It tolerates shade and partial shade, but in such areas it will not bloom so abundantly. Does not like stagnant water, so good drainage is needed. Fertilize the crocuscompost or humus.
Replant saffron (flower) should be during the period when the plant is resting. The propagation process consists in dividing the corms and planting them in a permanent place. A transplant is made every 4 years. Those specimens that bloom in April should be planted in the ground in September. They need to take root before the onset of cold weather. And crocuses blooming in autumn are best planted in a permanent place in August.
Usually saffron (flower) is planted at a depth of 6 centimeters. If the tubers are small, then it is better that the depth corresponds to two such bulbs. It is desirable to maintain a distance between plants of about 10 cm. So that the saffron (flower) does not suffer from the winter cold, plantings should be mulched with either peat or a 5-centimeter layer of dry leaves. To prevent stagnant water, it is advisable to cover the flowers with a waterproof material. You should also take into account the fact that small rodents cause great harm to crocuses.
You don't need to water them even when it's hot, as they don't have a growing season in summer.
Being very decorative, saffron (flowers) also have healing properties. They are used in cooking, medicine and as a dye.
Collect flowers that open at dawn, in sunny weather. The orange pistils, which are cut by hand, are of value. In order for the spice to be of good quality, it should be dried for 12 minutes at a temperature of 45 to 50 degrees. A dark container is chosen for storage, which is hermetically sealed. Crocus is very popular in oriental medicine. It is an integral partmedicines that improve digestion, are used for liver diseases, relieve coughing fits and cure whooping cough.
The dye is obtained from the stigma of the plant. It is used to give different shades to natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, wool. Saffron is also added to confectionery. Abroad, it is used in the production of butter and soft drinks.
