Growing saffron.

Saffron crocus -- growing your own saffron. 

Saffron crocus.  The orange-red stamen are the saffron spice.

Saffron is expensive and difficult to find in some areas.  However, you can plant the saffron crocus bulbs from June to mid-September and harvest the orange stamen for saffron in October.  Let them dry completely before storing. I planted them very deep (maybe 6 inches) and if there are early frosts you would have to use a cloche or a cold frame cover.  On the other hand, you could just harvest the saffron on those years that the weather is not so strange.

Saffron threads.

The crocuses lie dormant most of the summer.  They are not dead.  In fall grass like leaves will come up, followed by the flower.