The crocus saffron grows to 20 to 30 centimeters (cm). It takes three years from the time they’re planted as seeds for the crocus to produce flowers. Each plant makes about three to four flowers, and each flower has about three stigmas.Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world because it must be harvested by hand. It also takes a large quantity of blossoms and dried stigmas to make 1 kilogram (kg) of the spice.The spice has a long history. It’s believed that humans used saffron as early as 3,500 years ago. Historically, people used it to treat a long list of health conditions, including:trouble urinatingmenstrual issueseye disordersulcersstomach issuestumorsmental disorders.