Himalayan blue poppies/Saffron crocus (grown, squirrel, autumn, how to)

[MICoastieMom]

Has anyone ever grown these? Himalayan blues are the culinary poppy, with the seeds being used in many Hungarian dishes as well as breads and other baked goods. I have grown other poppies from but have not had good luck with these. Any tricks beyond the usual ones for germinating poppies?

Saffron is another spice used frequently in Hungarian cuisine. It is frightfully expensive to purchase. I got mine planted too late last year, wasn't ready to harvest before the first frost. Any helpful tips?

[Gerania]

I haven't grown them but I understand that they like a hot dry summer. I thought you would be starting with a corm/bulb. If you grow them in a pot you'll have more control. You would be able to put them in an area with a lot of sun and move them to a covered area if expecting a heavy rain.

This article mentions a particular cultivar which does better in northern gardens "Crocus sativus Cashmirianus"

Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Saffron Crocus — Conjuring Color and Flavor in the Autumn Garden

The Garden of Eaden: HOW TO GROW THE SAFFRON CROCUS - Crocus sativus

[MICoastieMom]

Thank you, Gerania, very interesting articles. I did discover that one of my plants from last year is coming up, maybe I didn't screw up after all. After reading the second article, I suspect squirrels may have got the others. May need to cover the area with rabbit wire to protect them.