Saffron is grown in sandy loam soil which is sunny, loose, fertile, humus-rich and well-drained. Saffron is not suitable for continuous cropping and does not tolerate standing water. Saffron was first cultivated artificially by the Greeks, mainly in Europe, the Mediterranean and Central Asia, and is commonly cultivated throughout China.

Saffron growing conditions

Saffron prefers cool and moist semi-shady environment, likes full sunlight, afraid of extreme heat, cold hardy, can't tolerate stagnant water. It is suitable for planting in well-drained, loose and fertile soil, humus-rich sandy soil. The pH of the soil should preferably be 5.5~6.5.

Saffron Growing Temperature

Saffron prefers a slightly warmer environment, with a suitable growing temperature between 15-25 degrees. During the high temperature in summer, the plant will go dormant and grow slowly. Proper shade can prolong the growth of saffron and increase the weight of bulbs.

Saffron Growing Process

Saffron has a growing cycle of about 7 months. Both spring and fall flowers are fall bulb flowers that germinate in the fall and bloom after a winter and spring growing period. Some varieties bear fruit, go dormant in summer, and do not bear fruit under normal cultivation conditions.

Saffron planting time and method

Saffron is suitable for sowing in August-September each year. In advance, cultivate the soil, apply enough basic fertilizer, choose large and full, disease-free seed balls. Plant spacing 10 cm, row spacing 15 cm, depth of about 5 cm. After planting, cover with soil for 5 centimeters. Saffron should be removed from weeds during the growing period, and should not tolerate stagnant water. So take care of drainage after rain, and keep the soil moist in the fall drought so that it can take root. Saffron blossoms in October, and can be fertilized once after flowering, which is conducive to bulb development.