| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Penny |
Saffron Bulk BuyThinking of doing a bulk buy for Saffon Bulbs, so just wanted to get a feel for how many people would be interested.Buying in bulk makes them very much cheaper, and I'm happy to do the distribution. If enough people are interested, we will need to make absolutely sure with the suppliers first that they are the edible type of bulbs, and arrange payment/distribution methods etc. but it could be an economic way of getting our mitts on the lovely stuff 
Just interested in initial interest for now - details of numbers of bulbs and final costs later if that's OK. (but as an example, if we can buy 100, they cost 18p each - but have to add a share of their p&p to this, then p&p to get them to you) Could save us all a few quid. Penny |
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| sally_in_wales |
Definately, probably a tenners worth for me 
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| Penny |
Blimey Sally - you going into mass production??????  Actually with the price of saffron as it is in the shops.................. 
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| sally_in_wales |
Well, I bulk buy culinary saffron (spanish) as it is, but I thought pots of saffron bulbs (with netting against the meeces!) might make nice gifts for people. You have no idea how many ounces of saffron I get through a year, what with using it in the perfume and medicinal research and in medieval cooking, it doesnt last long round here. | ||||
| cab |
Yes, I'm up for that... But before deciding how many, whats the yield per plant? | ||||
| sally_in_wales |
Its about three wisps a year, unless each bulb gives more than one flower? | ||||
| Bugs |
Should just note, you're not going to get rich growing saffron unless you have fields of the stuff and minions to collect and process it. But it is a lovely thing to grow - and as Sally says could be a very pretty present.
I'll look up the little booklet that came with ours later this evening if it helps. Since it was written by this Welsh woman it's probably especially relevant. |
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| sean |
70 000 plants should give you 1lb avoirdupois, or to put it another way, .5 ha gives 4.5kg. | ||||
| sally_in_wales |
Hasnt Tahir got acres of land to plant- and daughters to act as minions?
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| Fee |
Arse...I would normally be interested, but I've got about a carrier sized bag full of it in the cupboard...that I'd forgotten about until right now
Guess we'll be having something saffrony for tea tonight Any nice recipes you can recommend, sally_in_wales?
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| sally_in_wales |
At trade prices thats just about £3000 (working on about 70p a gram trade price of prepared saffron) |
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| tahir |
I've always been an avid supporter of child labour
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| sally_in_wales |
Saffron or Safflower? If it came in a carrier bag its almost certainly safflower even if the lable said saffron |
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| cab |
Okay... So a few strands here and there, and the plant looks pretty and interesting, at that price (18p each plus postage, bargain!) I'd go for thirty. | ||||
| Lisa |
Yes, I'd be interested. | ||||
| Treacodactyl |
One plump bulb should give at least a flower and the bulbs produce plenty of off-sets so you'll end up with plenty of littleuns. Fattening the little bulbs up to flowering size is taking a couple of years. |
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| bernie-woman |
I am interested but need to know what growing conditions they would like
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| Nanny |
i also am interested but need growing info first
i would ahve to put them into pots and maybe put them into the cold frame for the winter to fend off mice and chickens son't even now when they flower......... |
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| Treacodactyl |
From the details I have it grows best in slightly alkaline soils with plenty of well rotted manure or compost. It doesn't seem too fussy though and can grow on clay and also grows very well in deep pots.
I would suggest planting somewhere where it cannot be confused with other crocus. |
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| Nanny |
deep pots would be better than the ground.....the birds will have all the flowers before i do if the chickens and mice don't get to the bulbs first so would keep them under cover a lot fo the time though well ventilated
it just intrigues me to grow my own saffron i have only bought it very infrequently due to the cost and though i don't expect an enormous amount of wispy things, it would be nice to have my own..... i would go for say...20 bulbs......... so when do they flower then? |
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| Treacodactyl |
It's autumn flowering so about October and the plants like good sunlight. The leaves also appear in October and grow through the winter and die down in late spring/early summer. The flowers are also pleasantly scented so I often pick them whole and pop in a little vase and take the stamens out. As for pests, slugs and snails eat the flowers; squirrels, mice and any other nibbling varmint can get the bulbs so if you have those sort of pests a covering of mesh/wire would be useful. |
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| Nanny |
well at that price you can't go wrong
18 pence each - bargain.............. |
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| pricey |
count me in does it grow OK in Portugal . If anybody down here wants some I will go and collect, could do with a day out with Jess.
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| Cathryn |
I would like to try some - as presents for my gardening family (why am I thinking saffron and easter? is it just me and my dyslexic thought process?) | ||||
| Bugs |
Fascinating facts from the booklet we have:
Sunny sheltered spot, ph value of 7 desirable, planted between June and August, 6 inches deep, deep planting encourages flowers while shallow encourages corm reproduction. Require summer warmth to flower, so cloches can help in a bad summer (I think we had fewer flowers this year, plus the ***** squirrels or possibly ***** fox had a dig). Water well in September and while the leaves are green to help with flowering and later, corm formation. Flowering and leaves are better from the second year after planting. Risks are wireworm, woodlice, slugs. 150-165 flowers produce about 1g dried saffron; approx 450 single strands with about 40 in the typical "pinch" for a recipe. What did I say about not getting rich?
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| Bugs |
Simnel cake? |
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| wellington womble |
Ohhh - count me in! twenty bulbs ish would be lovely, must have a empty pot or two lying around somewhere. The would make lovely presents too! | ||||
| bernie-woman |
Did anything happen with this?
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| Penny |
It's still underway - the catalogues with new stock don't come out till May, for planting in August.
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| cab |
Woo hoo!
Really looking forward to this now. |
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| bernie-woman |
So am I but getting worried about my success - just found this on the tinternet and if Saint Bob has difficulty getting them to flower not sure what success anyone else may have Gardeners Question Time Fact Sheet Question from Richard Clifford: I would like to grow Crocus sativus - the Saffron crocus - for culinary use. Can you help me please? John: It could be very expensive, if you're fond of it you're going to need thousands upon thousands of corms because it takes a lot to make a kilo. Bunny: But you don't need to use a lot. You only use a few stigmas each time, and there are a couple of specialist nurseries that do supply them. Bob: Yes, I've bought them. I've had them eight years and I haven't had a single damn flower yet! I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm sure the audience all know about Saffron Walden - which used to be the centre of the British saffron industry and only stopped because of the labour costs. Picking the tiny stigma out of every flower is amazingly intensive. I planted them in a perfect spot - in well drained soil because they don't like waterlogging - and in full sun, which again they're supposed to like. They do leaf up, but I haven't yet had a flower. I think they sold me a pup. Bunny: You say they're labour intensive, but you only need to go out and pick a few tiny ones. You put a couple in a creamy sauce and it just makes so much difference - both the colour and the smell. Eric: I think the bottom line on this, Richard, is when you learn how to grow them will you please write and let the team know! Richard Clifford: I'll do that. Bunny: And I'll order some this autumn. |
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| bernie-woman |
Thats good news Penny - just wondered as the thread had ended without actually saying whether it was going ahead
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| Bugs |
Penny Penny Penny! Oi! Over here!
I forgot, one more interesting thing I found in the Thomas Etty cat; they do 50 bulbs for £15 dispatch Sept 06 - not sure about postage, I think that is fairly substantial for bulbs but it might well be worth speaking directly to them. |
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| Penny |
Helllloooooooo young Bugs I'll add that to the list of possible for May.
Sorry Bernie, (and everyone)I should have put on the thread about the catalogues not coming out till May 
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| Nanny |
i had forgotten all about it but am quite looking forward to the challenge now you have reminded me
i suppse the first person to cooks a dish using their own saffron wispy bits wins.............
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| Leonie |
I've only just seen this thread, hope it's not too late, I'd like to order some bulbs, around 20 should be about right for me.
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| Penny |
No problem Gardner, as soon as we've all worked out what the best deal is, we can take another count at that point. Just wanted to see if there was enough interest to go ahead.
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| dpack |
i came here thinking it may be dried but i will have 20 bulbs . love the stuff and never tried fresh
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| Bugs |
Tsk, Bob Flowerdew, what does he know?
Honestly; in the small quantities you lot are getting I would highly, highly recommend cossetting them in a pot for the first couple of seasons until you wind up with some "free" bulbs that you can try in the garden etc. Slugs are the biggest menace, and the other problem might be giving them enough light and the right changes in temperature to get them to flower and this is easier again when you can move the tub or water accordingly. We've had flowers every year I think, so certainly anyone else can 
There's a short thread here as well about them but I know I typed up some more details somewhere, they must be further up this thread. We should do a "grow your own spices" article, there've certainly been a few threads about different things. http://forum.downsizer.net/viewtopic.php?t=10249 |
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| Nick |
We should do a ....
I think you mean You should.
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| Penny |
*Bump*
Just a reminder - the catalogues are starting to come in - I'll be ringing them all for bulk deals over the next week or so, then I'll let everyone know what deals are on offer. Once we've reached a consensus on a supplier, we can start finalising positive orders.
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| Leonie |
yay, I was just thinking about this the other night when I made the saffron and herb butter chicken recipe in the country living magazine
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| Leonie |
Any more news on the bulk buy?
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| Penny |
Thanks for the reminder I'll get onto it this weekend.....
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| Penny |
Bump....
I've been meaning to get round to this for so long, but you know how it goes......
So anyone else want to join in, or opt out? I'll post a list of all the suppliers and prices tomorrow. If anyone has seen any anywhere they think may be a good deal, perhaps they could post the details here? Then we need to get ordering within the next week or so. |
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| Nanny |
i think i am still in penny
i can put them in pots and take them with me ...... can't for the life of me remember how many i spoke about but i am still interested |
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| Penny |
We'll set a deadline to get orders and payment to me. Then I'll put the order in. |
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| Treacodactyl |
We bought 25 bulbs about 5 years ago, we've given some away and this is the number we have left. They do multiply well, although if want to increase stock you plant them a certain way and they may not produce flowers. This year we'll go for flowers. | ||||
| @Calli |
I am interested add to mail shot please! | ||||
| Pilsbury |
Yep stick my name on the list as well, i always liked a challenge. | ||||
| sally_in_wales |
Me too, we get through saffron at a shocking rate and the idea of producing even just a tiny pinch or two of our own is very appealing | ||||
| joanne |
Put me on the list too please Penny
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| Daydreaming |
And me too please.
I'm late to this conversation but I hope it's okay. I have a few large terracotta pots with nothing in them at the moment. Could I pop them in those? |
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| Penny |
Right found these people:
Gee Tee Bulbs (Saffron are at the bottom of the page) who will do 500 bulbs for £30, plus VAT and delivery (£10) , which makes each bulb around 9p each
Seem really nice people too. The other's I had to contact, either couldn't give me an answer, or just couldn't do that many - or just faffed  I am waiting for a Lady someone or other to call me back, but don't hold out much hope for that.
There are 14 people in this thread thus far who have expressed an interest - 500 bulbs will allow for an average of 30 odd each, but we can order more, if anyone else wants to join in You don't have to order 30, more or less is fine.
If we're happy to go ahead with this supplier, can everyone who wants to go ahead pm me with the number of bulbs they want by Sunday 27th August. Then I'll just check what the total number we need is, and start asking for payment etc. |
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| Penny |
Last chance for anyone else who wants them - all those who've posted they want them, and have pm'd me, are on the list already.
I'll be pm-ing everyone tomorrow with my address, and the total they owe. Once all the money is in, I'll place the order.
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| Penny |
Would anyone object if I put a list up of what everyone's ordered, so you can check and confirm it?
Cheques can be sent to the shop: FAO Penny, Saffron Bulk Buy Squat Orange Ltd Unit F6 Regent Arcade Cheltenham GL50 1JZ There's a total of 650 bulbs ordered, which is quite impressive
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| sally_in_wales |
sounds good to me
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| Nanny |
ok here
i thinkyou have me down for some do way if i have forgotten, lots going on here at present............. |
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| wellington womble |
Just let me know how much you want. | ||||
| Penny |
Have now PMd eveyone on my list - if you haven't got a pm, and thought you had asked for some, please just let me know and I can add you. Deadline for money to me is Tuesday 11th September please
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| Penny |
Cheques should be payable to Penny Burgess, and can you include your address in with the cheque.
Fank you
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| Penny |
Just a reminder to those who've not yet sent me the money to get it to me by tomorrow please
So far I have : Daydreaming, Bernie, Lisa, Ruby, and EIG Paypal account doesn't seem to be working too well  So cash or cheque may be better.
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| sally_in_wales |
ow, sorry, I clean forgot, want me to try the paypal of shall I stuff a cheque in the post? | ||||
| Penny |
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| cab |
Cheque in the post this evening, sorry, also forgot! | ||||
| wellington womble |
Banked to banked it - should be sat in your account with a reference something along the lines of WW/saffron. | ||||
| Penny |
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| Penny |
Thanks everyone - all present and correct
Will be placing the order tomorrow, I'll post again when I know about delivery etc. |
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| @Calli |
Well organised Penny!
Thanks |
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| Penny |
You're welcome Order placed, should be about a week or two. Instructions will come with each order.
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| Leonie |
Hi Penny, any news on delivery dates? And does anyone know some basic planting instructions, where, when, what type of soil etc. I need to get some space cleared and prepared for them and I've no idea what conditions they like.
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| Penny |
I've had the thing to say they've taken the money out, which means they are about to be delivered. I'm preparing instructions so I'll post them here later if that's OK. | ||||
| Mary-Jane |
Penny - I've only just latched on to this - have you got any going spare I could buy? | ||||
| Penny |
Keep up MJ May have - I'll check me lists when I get home, I did buy a few extra, just in case....
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| Leonie |
If you don't have enough Penny I don't mind sharing a few of mine
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| Mary-Jane |
Luvverly jubbly - let me know girlies...
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| sally_in_wales |
ditto, I ordered a fairly random number so can easily send a few your way
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| Penny |
They've arrived, so I will be sorting shortly I'll contact MJ and Pilsbury later on....
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| cab |
Yaaay!
Also willing to share a few if you end up over-subscribed (otherwise aiming to be self sufficient in saffron in a few short years...) |
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| Penny |
Nearly sorted.....
For those of you that want cultivation instructions, there is a complete guide to crocus saltiva here Having gone through a lot of websites, and spoken to several nuseries, this does seem to cover the type of ideal conditions you will need to re-create. I don't seem to be able to find addresses for Nanny, Leonie, Daydreaming and for Wellington Womble, they're almost certainly buried in my inbox somewhere, but to save me hours of hunting, could you all possibly PM me again? There will be plenty left for MJ and Pilsbury Pilsbury, had you down for 20, so that will be £2.80 please MJ, do you want 30? That will be £4.20 of your finest pounds please m'am Will also need both of your addresses, pwetty pweeze.
Think that's all. If anyone has any questions, just shout! |
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| MarkS |
Is it too late to ask for any ?
Mrs S. has stated that she would like to have a go at growing it. With an implied 'Why the hell didnt you order some ?' \(insert doghouse/nonookie smilie here \) |
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| Penny |
Oh dear, poor you I will see if I have any left when I've divvied out the bags - 700 crocus bulbs look an awful lot to sort
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| sean |
It'll keep your hands busy anyway.
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| Penny |
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| Cathryn |
Just read up how to grow it Whats the betting I am out for the day when it flowers (I say it because have a feeling it might compare to my pea cultivation rate this year...)
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| MarkS |
Thanks Penny! | ||||
| Penny |
Do you want about 30 MarkS? That''ll be £4.20, and I'll need your address to send them too.
That leaves about 40 spare, so shout now if you'd like them, cost for 20 is £2.80, for all 40 is £5.60 (including P&P)
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| tahir |
I'd love to take 'em, just know I won't gret round to planting em. Still got another 200 odd trees to weed, haven't started on the hedge yet
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| MarkS |
Thanks Penny!
I've pm'ed you with the address and asked how I pay |
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| Penny |
Please can I have addresses for Daydreaming, Wellington Womble, Pilsbury and Mary Jane....I'm going to the post office on Monday, and I'd rather not make more than one trip if at all possible - fank you
I've just been packing some up, and one of the jiffy bags I'm using looks like it may have been through quite a few Downsizers already - made me giggle (It's on it's way to you in Ireland now Callie, so make sure you pass it on to another Downsizer at an appropriate moment!)
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| Treacodactyl |
Our saffron has started flowering again. It's the very long orange bits (not the yellow bits) you take out and dry.
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| Bernie66 |
Pretty too (Not you TD)
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| Treacodactyl |
They are also quite scented, if you like that sort of thing. | ||||
| Leonie |
oh that's gorgeous, can't wait to get mine planted....erm, I'd better get out there and clear the weeds first
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| Penny |
Didn't get them to the post today - won't go into gory details, but it involved an IUD - nuff said, will post them tomorrow 
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| MarkS |
Thats far more than we needed to know
Anyway - mine just arrived. Thanks Penny! |
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| Cathryn |
didn't involve saffron bulbs did it? didn't say anything at all about that on wikipedia
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| Daydreaming |
Hi Penny,
Mine dropped through the letter box this morning. Just in time for a spot of gardening this weekend!!
Thankyou Siobhan |
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| Lisa |
Just arrived today, thanks ever so! | ||||
| Daydreaming |
And that's a beautiful photo Treaco
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