Which month is best to plant saffron?

Saffron , also known as saffron and crocus, is a precious Chinese medicinal material . It is currently mainly produced in Henan, Xinjiang, Sichuan and other places. Saffron has very high medicinal value and many farmers grow it artificially. So which month is better to plant saffron? Let’s take a look with the editor below.

1. Which month is better to plant saffron?

1. Spring planting

March to April in spring is a more suitable period. At this time, the temperature gradually rises and the soil begins to thaw, which is conducive to the rooting and germination of saffron bulbs . The survival rate of saffron planted in spring may be slightly lower than that in autumn, because the temperature changes greatly in spring, which can easily affect the growth of saffron. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to details during the planting process, such as keeping the soil moist and doing a good job of weeding.

2. Autumn planting

August to September in autumn, especially mid-to-late September, is a good time to plant saffron. The climate is cool and the soil temperature is suitable at this time, which is conducive to the germination and growth of saffron bulbs. Autumn planting is the main period for saffron planting and is also the time period with a higher survival rate. However, in the northern regions, due to the early winter and lower temperatures, planting can be appropriately advanced, while in the southern regions, due to the warmer climate, planting time can be appropriately delayed.

2. Saffron Planting Method

1. Site selection and land preparation

Choose loose, fertile, slightly alkaline soil with good drainage for planting, preferably gentle land or hillside land. 30 days before planting, apply 3000-4000 kg of farmyard manure and 200-300 kg of other fertilizers per mu, deep plow the land and fertilize it, then harrow the soil and prepare the ridges.

2. Planting

Saffron is propagated by bulbs and is generally sown in August and September. Before sowing, remove the side buds of the bulbs, leaving 1-3 top buds according to the size and weight of the bulbs, and remove the rest. Then place the bulbs in a cool place for 2-3 days to allow the wound to heal. Generally, row sowing is chosen for sowing. A furrow about 5-8 cm wide is opened on the bed surface, and the row spacing is controlled at about 15-20 cm. After wetting the soil, the bulbs are placed flat in the furrow with the top buds facing upwards, and then covered with soil. The general planting density is 20,000 per mu.

3. Intertillage and weeding

During the growing period, inter-row cultivation and weeding should be carried out in time to keep the soil loose and remove weeds. Regular weeding can reduce the competition between weeds and saffron for nutrients and water.

4. Reasonable fertilization

Saffron has a high demand for nutrients, especially nitrogen fertilizers and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Before planting, sufficient amount of organic fertilizer should be applied as base fertilizer. During the growth process, topdressing should be applied in time according to the growth of the plant.

5. Bulb processing

There are main buds and side buds on the saffron bulb. The main bud blooms, while the side buds do not. Each bud can form a small bulb, and the mother bulb can grow 6-15 small bulbs. In order to ensure high yield next year, the side buds must be completely removed. Generally, if the bulb weighs less than 20 grams, keep 1 main bud; if it weighs 20-30 grams, keep 2 main buds; if it weighs more than 30 grams, keep 3 main buds.

6. Pest and disease control

Common diseases of saffron include soft rot, sclerotinia, leaf spot, etc., which can be prevented and controlled by a combination of agricultural control and chemical control. At the same time, attention should be paid to the prevention and control of insect pests, such as cutworms, mole crickets, aphids, red spiders, etc., which can be prevented and controlled by root irrigation or spraying of pesticides.

The above is an introduction to the best months to plant saffron. The best time to plant saffron is usually between September and October each year. In some areas, March to April in spring is also a suitable planting time. The climate is cool during this period, which is suitable for the growth of saffron bulbs.