Choose a climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters
Select a sunny site with well-drained soil
Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground
Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing weeds
Mix in compost if needed for fertility and drainage
Plant saffron corms in late summer or early fall
Place corms 3 to 4 inches deep
Space corms 4 to 6 inches apart
Set rows about 6 to 8 inches apart
Water lightly after planting
Keep soil slightly moist during establishment
Reduce watering during dormancy
Avoid overwatering throughout the growing cycle
Mulch lightly if needed to suppress weeds
Remove weeds regularly
Let foliage grow after flowering
Do not cut leaves until they yellow and die back naturally
Divide and replant corms every few years
Harvest flowers early in the morning when they bloom
Pick the red stigmas from each flower
Dry the stigmas in a warm, dark, airy place
Store dried saffron in an airtight container away from light and heat
Protect plants from rodents and pests
Grow saffron in containers if garden drainage is poor