Amanda Blum is a freelancer who writes about smart home technology, gardening, and food preservation. Previously, Amanda has worked as a technology strategist specializing in problem solving and ...

The little crocuses that flower before Christmas have been neglected, perhaps because everyone muddles them with the "autumn crocus" - the colchicums - which are a much coarser affair. Colchicums are ...

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world — but did you know you can grow it right in your own backyard? With a little effort and patience, Marin home gardeners can cultivate Crocus sativus, ...

Gardeners on the hunt for something special, novel, exotic even, might consider growing saffron crocus for a personal supply of the expensive spice saffron. The spice saffron is produced by the ...

Saffron is the most expensive herb in the world at thousands of dollars a pound. The bright red stigmas add yellow color and a flavor that’s part of Persian, Spanish, Indian, Asian and Pennsylvania ...

DENVER — Saffron has been highly prized since ancient times. Cleopatra soaked in saffron bath water to dye her skin--an early precursor of the spray tan. More importantly, saffron is used in cooking ...

In November, one hardly expects to see much growing in the garden. It’s a time of year when color is fading fast, giving way to a landscape painted in earth tones. But there is a little flower, a very ...

As mid-November passes, the last purple drifts of saffron crocus ( Crocus sativus ) fade in the garden. But if you plant now, its cheerful color and habit will grace your garden next fall from ...