Growing Saffron Crocus

Question

Two years ago I got twelve blooms from the twelve saffron crocus bulbs I have planted in a half wine barrel on a mobile cart. I have been moving the cart under my fig tree out of sprinkler range after the foliage dies back and bringing it back out in the sun and sprinkler watering in early September. Last year and this year I got only one bloom. I am planning to separate the bulbs/corms this year after the foliage has died. Should I wait until I am ready to replant them to dig them up and when should this be? I have read early August for planting but I live in the California central valley (Sacramento to be exact) and it is still really hot then. Also, if I fertilize the base of the corms, what is the number rating ( #-#-#) of the fertilizer I should use and how much? Thanks for any information you can give me.

Answer 1

I would separate these in the spring time before planting. After you transplant them, you might notice it will take a whole year to get another bloom. You can use an all purpose fertilizer, but it is not completely necessary, as they store nutrients in the bulb. Here is an article for more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/saffron/growing-saffron-crocus.htm