In 2015 The University of Vermont began conducting a study to see if saffron could be grown in the cold climes of  Vermont. The study was initiated by a husband and wife team Margaret Skinner and her husband  Arash Ghalehgolabbehbahani. As it turns out, with a little extra care, saffron can be grown very successfully in Vermont!

So, I have begun my own experimental test “plot”. Basically, 2 milk crates planted with about 25 crocus corms, “Crocus Sativa”. The bulbs are planted in late summer/ early fall . Watering activates growth, but very little if any water is needed thereafter. Full sun and warm temperatures get them growing but they  need some protection from Vermont’s chilly fall weather.

Six weeks after planting, the  beautiful purple crocus flowers appear! Once the flowers bloom, the whole blossom is harvested. Inside the pretty purple petals  are the orange stigmas- saffron!

Can’t wait to make a nice big paella with my own saffron! Next year I will be planting a much bigger crop . You can never have enough saffron, right?