Martha Stewart Shares Reliable Companion Plants For Saffron In The Garden

In Martha Stewart's world, saffron (Crocus sativus) and its companion plants are like guests at the perfect dinner party — everyone has a role to play. The stunning saffron crocus blooms with delicate lavender flowers and vibrant orange stigmas for about two weeks each fall. Harvest the bright orange stigmas to use as a prized cooking spice or leave the flowers untouched to enjoy their beauty in the garden — it's your choice! Unlike other plants, saffron doesn't exist in the wild; instead, it's a result of thousands of years of selective breeding. The saffron corms grow well planted under other plants. At Martha's farm, they're frequently planted under trees, such as her quince trees, 'Gravenstein' apple espalier, London plane, and smoke bushes. She's also planted them in her giant vegetable garden.

Thriving in USDA Hardiness zones 5 to 8, these petite flowers reach up to 10 inches in height and flourish in full sun. With the right care and companions, saffron can bring both elegance and flavor to your garden. Martha has grown saffron at her farm for several years now, enjoying the delicate blooms every fall. Even if you don't have a farm like Martha, you really can grow saffron flowers in your own yard and get ready for an autumn filled with gorgeous blooms.

You may be wondering — what is companion planting and how does it benefit your garden? Companion planting allows you to save space by planting species that grow well together. It can even be mutually beneficial, as some plants help support each other and combat natural pests! Martha saves space by planting her saffron under trees and shrubs that already exist in her garden, carving out a little spot for the beautiful blooms. Martha calls these crocuses "sun-worshippers," so she looks for beds where they won't have to compete for light. One year, she planted the saffron corms — or rounded stems, similar to a bulb — beneath her quince trees because the compact trees still allowed her saffron to receive five to six hours of direct sunlight a day. Another year, she planted them in a bed along her carriage house drive with London plane and smoke bushes. Wherever her saffron corms end up, it's always in a dry, open bed with plenty of sunlight. 

By looking at what already exists in your garden, you can find a place where your saffron will fit in perfectly! Then, you'll have beautiful flowers and the chance to harvest the world's most expensive spice from your own yard. That's a win-win!