Southern Hemisphere Saffron Crocus bulb sources
Paul T. (Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:31:16 PDT)

At 11:33 AM 22/10/2009, you wrote:

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!!