Growing Saffron?

I love Saffron but it is so expensive.  I've just ordered 50 bulbs.  Any advice re planting/growing?
 
Andrea

Invest in a good forceps.

the y are plain old bulbs---they are a crocus--where you are you should have no problem GROWING them--i did--successfully, in California--for yrs--the trick is HARVESTING AT THE RIGHT TIME!!!!--google it--i bet there are lots of references---you have to KNOW what your looking for---and LEAVE SOME--mine just came up every yr and multiplied--but then--i was in California.
 

oh---good drainage!!!--and they do well under spring trees before the leaves shade it out
 
 
 

I know saffron is expensive but my professional advice is to buy it if you really want it.  50 bulbs may give you no more than a pinch.  Lot of work for a pinch of saffron.  But then, the flowers look pretty so it's not a total loss.

if you have a lot of squirrels, then you need to put some kind of metal mesh (chicken wire) over the bulbs so that they can't dig 'em up! 
 
i planted 30 bulbs one fall and they were dug up within weeks...i didn't know the squirrels liked them or i'd have put the chicken wire over top (as i did with the tulips - none of which were dug up).

Thanks for the advice - I've been researching and it looks like you have a small window for harvesting.  I just bought 50 because I want to test them first and see how they do.  From what I've read, I should plant the bulbs 4" to 6" deep and 6" apart.  That stuff just tastes so good  and I get sticker shock when I go to the grocery!