Saffron's growing environment and local conditions

Saffron Growth Environment and Conditions

Saffron grows best in sunny, loose, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained sandy loam. It should avoid continuous cropping and cannot tolerate waterlogging. Saffron was first cultivated artificially by the Greeks and is mainly distributed in Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia and other places, and is commonly cultivated in various parts of China.

Saffron Growing Conditions

Saffron prefers a cool, humid, semi-shady environment, likes plenty of sunlight, is afraid of extreme heat, is relatively cold-resistant, and cannot tolerate waterlogging. It is suitable for planting in sandy soil with good drainage, looseness, fertility, and rich humus. The pH value of the soil should be preferably between 5.5 and 6.5.

Saffron Growth Temperature

Saffron prefers a slightly warm environment, and the suitable growth temperature is between 15-25 degrees. During the high temperatures in summer, the plant will enter a dormant period and grow slowly. Proper shading can extend the growth time of saffron and increase the weight of the bulb.

Saffron growth process

The growth cycle of saffron is about 7 months. Whether it is a spring-flowering variety or an autumn-flowering variety, it is an autumn-planted bulbous flower. It sprouts in autumn, blooms after a growing period in winter and spring, and some varieties bear fruit. It enters a dormant period in summer and does not bear fruit under normal cultivation conditions.

Saffron planting time and method

Saffron is suitable for sowing in August and September every year. Prepare the soil in advance, apply enough base fertilizer, choose large, plump, disease-free and healthy bulbs, plant at a spacing of 10 cm between plants and 15 cm between rows, and a depth of about 5 cm. Cover with 5 cm of soil after planting.

Saffron needs to be weeded during its growing season. It cannot tolerate waterlogging, so pay attention to drainage after rain and keep the soil moist during autumn drought to facilitate rooting. It blooms in October, and fertilizer can be applied once after flowering to facilitate bulb development.