Saffron bulk: breaking down costs and returns

So, you're thinking of planting 10,000 Crocus sativus bulbs?

That’s not just a garden—it's a serious saffron operation. At this scale, you're looking at real harvest potential and long-term returns, but also a need for smart planning.

At Roco Saffron, we’ve supported growers of all sizes, and this guide is built for those stepping into bulk cultivation. Here’s what you need to know about:

• Space
• Cost
• Labor
• Yield
• Timeline
• Profit potential

Space required for 10,000 bulbs

Each saffron bulb needs room to breathe and multiply. Standard spacing:

• 6–8 inches apart in rows
• Rows spaced 10–12 inches apart

Total land needed:

• About 3,800–4,300 sq ft (350–400 m²)
• Roughly the size of two tennis courts

Saffron is compact compared to other crops—high yield per square foot is one of its key advantages.

What does it cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the typical startup cost for 10,000 high-quality bulbs from Roco Saffron:

Item	Estimated cost (USD)
10,000 bulbs (1"–1.2" size)	$4,800–$6,900
Shipping & logistics	$350–$800 (varies by country/region)
Tools & harvest crates	$150–$300
Soil prep materials	$200–$400
Total estimate	$5,500–$8,400

Labor: how much help will you need?

Saffron doesn't require full-time labor year-round, but certain weeks—especially planting and harvest—need all hands on deck.

Task	When	Labor needed
Soil prep	August	2–3 people over 2–3 days
Planting	Late Aug-Sept	3–5 people over 2–3 days
Harvesting	October (2–3 weeks)	3–6 people for early mornings
Drying/storing	October	1–2 people daily for 1–2 hours

Yield estimates: what will you get?

Yields vary by season, location, and planting conditions. Here's a conservative look at what to expect:

Year 1 yield

• 150–200 flowers per 1,000 bulbs
• 0.4–0.5 grams of dried saffron per 1,000 bulbs
• ~4.5–5 grams total in Year 1

Year 2 and beyond

• Improved flowering = 12–15 grams per 1,000 bulbs
• 120–150 grams total per year starting in Year 2–3

Bulbs also multiply underground, meaning more planting material and increased yields without new purchases.

Revenue potential from 10,000 bulbs

Wholesale saffron typically sells for $10–$15 per gram, depending on quality and grade.

Let’s estimate based on 150 grams in a mature year:

• Low estimate (wholesale): $10 x 150 g = $1,500
• Mid estimate (direct sale): $12.50 x 150 g = $1,875
• High estimate (retail): $15 x 150 g = $2,250+

With direct-to-consumer sales (jars, gift sets, chefs), some growers earn $20–$30/g, pushing total revenue past $3,000–$4,000 per year. And that’s before factoring in corm resale or expansion.

Yearly timeline (simplified)

Month	Task
July–August	Field prep & import paperwork
August–September	Bulb delivery + planting
October	Flowering, daily harvest, drying
November	Wrap-up & storage
December–March	Vegetative growth (leaves)
April–June	Dormancy, planning, soil recovery
Year 3+	Optional corm division or expansion

Final tips for scaling smart

• Use row markers and spacing tools to avoid overcrowding;
• Prepare harvest crates and drying trays before bloom season;
• Label plots for tracking yield and future divisions;
• Don’t underestimate documentation and import timing;
• Give yourself room to grow—10,000 bulbs can become 30,000+ in a few seasons.

Why Roco Saffron for bulk orders?

When you're planting at this scale, you need more than just bulbs—you need a partner.

With Roco Saffron, you get:

• Clean, certified Crocus sativus bulbs;
• Bulk packaging and worldwide shipping;
• Phytosanitary certificates;
• Growing advice;
• Support before, during, and after delivery.

Ready to order 10,000 bulbs? Contact us for a custom quote, planting advice, or timeline support. We’re happy to guide you through every step—because your success is what we grow for.