Safranbolu Saffron Fields: When Do They Bloom and Where to See Them
Every year in mid-October, fields in several villages around Safranbolu turn purple for a few weeks. The saffron crocus, the flower that gave Safranbolu its name, is in bloom and the harvest has begun. In this post we explain when the saffron fields of Safranbolu bloom, where they are and where you can buy saffron. We grow our own saffron on our field in Kırıklar village, Safranbolu.
When do the saffron fields in Safranbolu bloom?
Saffron blooms in autumn. In Safranbolu, flowering usually starts in mid-October and lasts about two to three weeks. The start date can shift by a few days each year depending on the weather; the first cool days and rain of autumn affect flowering. In 2026, the first flowers on our field opened in the third week of October.
New flowers open every day during the flowering period, so the harvest is repeated every morning: the flowers are picked by hand early in the morning, before they fully open. The best time to see the field in purple is during the first two weeks of flowering, around midday on a sunny day; by then, the flowers that were not picked that morning have opened.
Where is saffron grown in Safranbolu?
Safranbolu takes its name from this plant. In the 19th century, a large share of the saffron that the Ottoman Empire sold abroad was produced in Safranbolu. Today production continues in a few villages: the Safranbolu Tourist Information Office lists Davutobası, Geren and Aşağı Güney. Our own field is in Kırıklar, a village of Safranbolu.
Saffron fields are not large, continuous areas. Most are small plots planted in rows in the villages. For most of the year you will not see flowers in the field; the corms are planted in late summer and the plants bloom for only a few weeks in October and November.
What does a saffron field look like?
The saffron flower is a purple flower that looks like a crocus and rises about 20–25 cm from the ground. Each flower has three red threads in the middle; these threads are the part used as saffron. During flowering, the field fills with rows of purple flowers among green leaves.
Can I visit a saffron field?
Most saffron fields are private fields that belong to growers, so you need the owner's permission before visiting. The flowers are the crop, so please do not pick them and do not step between the rows.
If you would like to see our field in Kırıklar during the harvest, call us in advance on +90 533 357 2672 and we will arrange a suitable day and time.
Where to buy saffron in Safranbolu
There are many places selling saffron in the Safranbolu bazaar and in the villages. Wherever you buy, we suggest checking a few things:
Buy saffron threads. Ground saffron is easier to mix with other substances.
Ask for the harvest year. Saffron loses aroma over time.
Ask for a lab report. A laboratory analysis is the best indicator of quality.
We explain saffron quality in more detail in our Saffron Guide.
We sell saffron from our own field in 1, 3, 5 and 10 gram glass jars in our shop. Our saffron was analysed by the independent Mérieux NutriSciences – Chelab laboratory in Italy using the ISO 3632 method and meets the limits of ISO 3632 Category I; all values are on our Lab Results page. Shipping within Turkey is free; orders are shipped within 2 business days at the latest. If you are in Safranbolu, call us in advance on +90 533 357 2672 and you can also collect your order from our field in Kırıklar.
From field to jar
After the flowers are picked, the threads are separated by hand and dried on the same day. About 150–200 flowers are needed for one gram of saffron. That is why saffron is valuable: every thread is picked and separated by hand.
Frequently asked questions
When does saffron bloom in Safranbolu?
Usually from mid-October, for about two to three weeks. The date can vary by a few days each year depending on the weather.
How many times a year does saffron bloom?
Once a year, in autumn. The harvest only takes place during this period.
Which villages grow saffron in Safranbolu?
The Safranbolu Tourist Information Office lists Davutobası, Geren and Aşağı Güney. Our field is in Kırıklar.
Can I buy Safranbolu saffron online?
Yes. You can order saffron grown on our own field from our shop. Shipping within Turkey is free; orders are shipped within 2 business days at the latest.
Sources
Safranbolu Tourist Information Office, "Safran Çiçeği" (in Turkish): safranboluturizmdanismaburosu.ktb.gov.tr
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