wild saffron

Grow in a bulb frame or alpine house in a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould and sharp sand or grit. Water freely in the growing season and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly. Keep completely dry in summer dormancy

No pruning required

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame when ripe or remove cormlets when dormant

Corms are vulnerable to mice, voles and squirrels

Corms in storage may be subject to rots and moulds