Your Garden … with Sharon McCray

Time to begin planning for next year, and saffron is a great spice

It’s a good time to begin thinking about summer bulbs and planning for a spring filled with color. There are so many choices and although I’ve covered this topic before, it never hurts to give a nudge towards these spectacular plants.

Daffodils are always a good choice. The best way to plant them to create a natural landscape, is to toss a handful of bulbs into the air and plant where they land. It can be fun, especially if you get kids involved.

Tulips, on the other hand, take some serious planning. Unfortunately, tulips don’t do very well here and need to be replaced annually. They can certainly spruce up a garden but daffodils can be just as spectacular and only need planting once. They divide and every year your garden looks better and better.

One bulb that I’m trying this year is the Crocus genus flower which is in the iris family. Saffron is produced from the stigma of the crocus flowers. After comparison pricing, planting saffron should be a no brainer, especially if you use this incredible spice on a regular basis.

The bulbs are available right now and are reasonably priced. They seem to thrive here and the only caveat is that the threads needs to be harvested regularly. Interestingly, while Persian Super Nigen Saffron sells for about $6 per gram, Grade 1 Spanish Coupe Saffron sells for much more.

Typically considered the world’s more expensive spice due to the fact that it takes about 75,000 blossoms to produce one pound of saffron. Whether the crimson red or golden yellow varieties, this spice will enhance every dish it is used in by adding a depth of color and burst of flavor. The bright purple colored flowers create a festive border and produce flowers all summer long.

Historically, saffron has been used as a dye for everything from hair to tapestries. It can also be used to help stave off food cravings when transitioning from a normal diet to keto. Interestingly, saffron has also been used to help balance moods, due primarily to its antioxidant and inflammation-cooling effects. It is good for eye health, helps improve the quality of your sleep and can help manage PMS symptoms.

There are plenty a saffron supplements available, just make sure you get a high quality product. With all this going on though, I’m truly surprised that more gardeners aren’t growing their own saffron.

So, if I haven’t yet sold you on saffron, let’s move on to some flower bulbs that will be an interesting addition to any garden. Dutch iris and grape hyacinth can be dramatic when used in the right setting. The iris pop up throughout the garden, adding a splash of color where ever planted.  I like them because they show up every spring with little to no effort. The little grape hyacinth while not too showy due to their small stature, will none the less, create an interesting border.

With the weather cooling don’t forget to water your fruit and nut trees.  Right now these trees are deciding if there is enough water to produce fruit next year. A long slow water is best, early in the morning. When I say “long slow” I mean that the water should reach a depth of 6 to 10 inches in the soil. We can’t rely on Mother Nature to take this task on. Water prices are what they are so I just grin and bear it.

I enjoy picking a fresh peach or apricots off my trees and try not to think about the costs too much.

Enjoy what’s left of an amazing growing season.

Sharon McCray is a California native living in Santa Clara County since 1959. She became certified as a University of California cooperative extension master gardener in 1992 and a UCCE master naturalist in 2015. She hosts a radio show on KKUP public radio and is now retired.