How to Grow Saffron for High Yield? A Detailed Guide to Cultivation Techniques

Saffron is an important medicinal herb prioritized for development in China, but growing saffron is a skilled undertaking, because saffron has very strict environmental requirements and is hard for beginners to grow well. Let's take a look at saffron cultivation techniques below.

I. Growing Environment

Saffron is a subtropical plant. It likes a warm, humid climate, can tolerate cold and partial shade, but fears intense heat and waterlogging, and needs ample sunlight. The most suitable growing temperature is 15 degrees, and the flowering temperature is about 16 to 20 degrees. The planting soil should be loose and fertile with good drainage. If the soil is heavy and sticky, it will affect the growth and development of saffron.

II. Propagation Methods

Saffron is mainly propagated in two ways: by dividing the corms and by sowing seeds.

1. Corm division propagation: This is generally done from August to September each year. After saffron matures, the corm contains multiple main and side buds. The base of the leaf cluster swells and then forms new corms. After saffron withers in summer, the dug-up corms are dried in the shade and stored; around October, larger corms are selected for planting, and they will take root and sprout in about half a month.

2. Seed propagation: Saffron seed propagation takes a relatively long time and does not easily set seed. Hand pollination is needed to obtain seeds, and it takes 3 to 4 years from sowing to the plant flowering, so the seed propagation method is generally not used.

III. Planting Management

1. Fertilizer and water management: About 20 days after planting saffron, apply 2000 kg of human and livestock manure per mu, diluted with water. If drought occurs, an appropriate amount of extra water can be added. In mid-February of the following year, when saffron turns green again, apply 3000-4000 kg of human and livestock manure per mu, diluted with water. From March onward it enters the vigorous stage; spray 0.2% monopotassium phosphate every 10 days, for 2-3 consecutive sprays.

2. Water: After sowing saffron, sufficient soil moisture must be maintained. If in the north, anti-freeze irrigation should be done before winter, then water again in April of the second year to meet the water needs for growth.

3. Frost protection: Although saffron can tolerate cold, it will freeze to death if the temperature is too low, so it needs to be covered with dry grass and plastic film, and windbreaks should be set up.

4. Removing side buds: Side buds will appear during the growth of saffron, so they should be removed promptly; insert a small knife into the soil and remove them together with the leaves.

5. Pest and disease control: Saffron has relatively few pests and diseases during growth; prevention is generally carried out when it revives in spring. If rot disease occurs, drench with 800-fold dilution of 5% Tuzet. Also guard against mice and rabbits eating saffron leaves.

Saffron is rather delicate. If you are careless when planting it, it is very likely to affect the yield, and the flowers will become fewer and fewer. When growing saffron, it is best to humbly ask for advice and learn, so as to ensure the yield.