Saffron bulbs, or Crocus sativus, are known to be one of the most valuable plants to grow, not only for their show-stopping garden performance and wonderful autumn colour, but the saffron spice (also known as red gold) which is harvested from the Crocus sativus flowers is worth more than its equivalent weight in gold!

Did you ever wonder where the spice known as saffron comes from? It’s made from the stigmas or “threads” found in the centre of the blooms of Crocus sativus. However, it’s unlikely you’ll find real saffron spice on supermarket shelves. With a price that can be over £7,500 per pound, it’s not exactly the kind of spice most people would use with abandon. Crocus sativus You won’t make a fortune harvesting it from your garden; you will need 4,500 flowers to make a single ounce of the pricey spice. Luckily, it’s a spice that’s used very, very sparingly. A few dozen flowers should give you a usable amount of saffron if you choose to try harvesting it yourself. Dry the...