This crocus produces the saffron of commerce, a precious spice worth more than its weight in gold. It takes in excess of 4000 flowers to produce an ounce of saffron which is the dried, long red style of this crocus. I grow it for the beauty of its large autumn flowers. It needs to be planted quite deeply, 15cm, would not be too deep, or it will split into small non flowering bulbs. I grow it under a carpet of prostrate thyme. A dry summer suits it.