Store-bought vs. homegrown saffron

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world. But what if you could grow it at home and save thousands of dollars?

While commercial saffron farming is labor-intensive, it’s actually quite easy and cost-effective for home gardeners. In this article, we’ll break down the cost of store-bought vs. homegrown saffron, the initial investment, and how much you can save (or even earn!) by growing your own saffron.

1. Why is saffron so expensive?

Before we discuss savings, let’s understand why saffron is so costly:

• Labor-intensive harvesting: Each Crocus sativus flower produces only three saffron threads, which must be hand-picked;
• High flower requirement: It takes 1,500 flowers to produce just 1 gram of saffron;
• Short growing season: Saffron flowers bloom only a few weeks per year in autumn.

Despite these factors, growing your own saffron at home can significantly reduce costs.

2. Cost breakdown: store-bought vs. homegrown Saffron

Let’s compare the costs of buying saffron from a store vs. growing it yourself.

Buying Saffron from the store

• Average cost per gram:
  • Low-grade saffron: $8 – $15
  • High-quality saffron: $20 – $40
  • Premium saffron: $50+
• Annual household usage: 5 – 10 grams
• Annual cost: $100 – $500

Growing your own saffron

The following prices are for Crocus sativus bulbs, size 11/+, as listed by Roco Saffron:

• 25 bulbs = $34
• 50 bulbs = $55
• 100 bulbs = $95
• 250 bulbs = $200
• 750 bulbs = $488
• 3,000 bulbs = $1,470

Annual harvest and savings

• 1 bulb = 1 to 3 flowers
• 100 bulbs = ~250 flowers in Year 1
• 1,500 flowers needed for 1 gram of saffron → 250 flowers = ~0.16 grams of saffron in Year 1
• Bulbs multiply every year, meaning your saffron production will increase exponentially!

Long-term yield & cost comparison

Potential long-term savings: hundreds of dollars! With a growing number of bulbs, your saffron yield will increase yearly, and you can even start selling it.

3. Additional financial benefits of growing saffron

Saffron as an income source

• Homegrown saffron can sell for $20 – $40 per gram, depending on quality.
• By Year 5, with 1.3 grams of saffron, you could sell it and recover your initial investment.

Bulb multiplication = free saffron forever

• Crocus sativus bulbs multiply naturally, producing new bulbs each year.
• A one-time purchase of 100 bulbs can grow into thousands over time.

Long shelf life = no waste

• Properly dried and stored saffron lasts 2–4 years, while store-bought saffron loses potency over time.

4. Is growing saffron worth it?

Absolutely! Here’s a recap of the benefits:

✅ Saves you hundreds of dollars on saffron

✅ Low-maintenance, drought-resistant crop

✅ Can be grown indoors, outdoors, or hydroponically

✅ Bulbs multiply yearly—free saffron forever

✅ Potential to sell and make a profit

If you love saffron, growing your own is a smart investment that pays off year after year. Would you try growing saffron at home? Let us know in the comments!