At 11:33 AM 22/10/2009, you wrote: >Weird request (but there is so much knowledge residing in this group, >I told my friend I'd try asking): > >Does anyone out there know of commercial sources of Saffron Crocus >bulbs (Crocus sativus) that are in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, >South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, etc.)? A friend of mine Lee, There must be sources of them around, as they appear in the bulk bulb purchase lots in summer. That means there are wholesalers producing them on a large scale to sell to the retail nurseries, so they should be able to supply something like the numbers your friend is wanting. I think s/he would need to contact the wholesaler direct, to save buying for retail prices. It depends whether this year they're in loose bulb format or course..... some years they're in the little bags with the cardboard picture attached etc. Still, there should be a wholesaler somewhere who they can buy from. If they know someone who works in a nursery, see if they can find out who their dormant bulbs come from and start from there. Worth a try at least. I would imagine we here in Aus will be WAY more expensive than the dutch bulbs, because we don't have the economies of scale from a large population like you guys up north <grin>, but there won't be the hassle of having to change hemispheres. The other possibility is to find otu whether there is a Saffron growers society here in Aus (like the vineyards etc) that help small scale producers start up. I don't "think" we have a big enough industry for Saffron here in Aus as yet, but it is worthwhile checking just in case. Anyway, I hope this helps point your friend in the right direction. Cheers. Paul T. Canberra, Australia - USDA Zone Equivalent approx. 8/9 Growing an eclectic collection of plants from all over the world including Aroids, Crocus, Cyclamen, Erythroniums, Fritillarias, Galanthus, Irises, Trilliums (to name but a few) and just about anything else that doesn't move!!