We tend to think of crocuses as spring flowers, but Crocus sativus is an autumn-flowering variety — and it also happens to be the flower that produces saffron.

I planted mine in pots this autumn, ready to dot around the outside of the house. They should flower around November, bringing some lovely colour at a time when so much else in the garden has finished.

And the really lovely part? Each flower produces three vivid red threads which can be carefully harvested and dried to use as saffron.

I bought my Crocus sativus bulbs from Farmer Gracy here, and they can be planted from now through late autumn.