Saffron Exotic Bulbs - Crocus Sativus

Saffron bulbs are sold out for 2026. Next stock expected in early 2027.

Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus (Crocus sativus). Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. A crocus sativus flower bears three stigmas, each the distal end of a carpel. Together with the styles stalks that connect the stigmas to their host plant the dried stigmas are used in cooking as a seasoning and colouring agent. Saffron, long the world's most expensive spice by weight, is native to Southwest Asia. Saffron's bitter taste and iodoform- or hay-like fragrance result from the chemicals picrocrocin and safranal. Saffron also contains a carotenoid dye, crocin, which imparts a rich golden-yellow hue to dishes and textiles.

Other important things to note.

1) Export Quality Bulbs are a minimum of 25mm in size.

2) Full flowering cannot be guaranteed in the first growing season. It typically takes 3 seasons to get maximum harvests.

3) Bulbs are grown in South Africa by the market leaders in Saffron bulb production. The bulbs are fully acclimatised to South African conditions and are top quality.

Please email seeds@seedsforafrica.co.za for quantities in excess of 1 000 bulbs and we will do our best to accommodate your order.

For further information, please visit our Saffron Page.