How to grow saffron crocus? Latest cultivation methods and precautions
Saffron crocus, also known as saffron or crocus, is a perennial flower of the genus Crocus in the iris family and also a common spice. Its foliage is slender and delicate, its flowers are tender and elegant, and it comes in many colors with a distinctive fragrance. It is often used as an excellent material for edging flower beds and arranging rock gardens, and can also be grown in pots or in water for indoor viewing. Let us take a look at the cultivation methods and precautions for saffron crocus!
Growth habits of saffron crocus
Saffron crocus is native to southern Europe and is commonly cultivated throughout China. It is an autumn-planted bulbous flower that prefers cool, moist and semi-shaded environments, is fairly cold-tolerant, and does best in well-drained, humus-rich sandy loam with a pH of 5.5-6.5. The corms lie dormant in summer and develop roots and leaves in autumn. It blooms in late October, with the flowers opening by day and closing at night.
Propagation methods for saffron crocus
1. Division of corms: Saffron crocus is usually propagated in August to September. A mature corm has several main and lateral buds. After flowering, new corms form as the base of the leaf cluster swells. After the above-ground parts wither in summer, dig out the corms, grade them, dry them in the shade and store them. Earlier planting helps produce strong seedlings. Plant large and small corms separately.
2. Sowing: Saffron crocus must be hand-pollinated to obtain seeds. Once the seeds mature, sow them immediately in an open-ground seedbed or in a pot. The sowing density must not be too high, as the plants need to form corms and generally cannot be dug up within 2 years. From sowing seeds to the plant flowering often takes 3 to 4 years.
Cultivation methods for saffron crocus
1. Planting: For growing saffron crocus, choose fertile, loose soil rich in humus. When selecting corms, be sure to choose healthy ones that are large, plump and free of mold spots or disease spots. In autumn, plant the corms in flower pots. In principle, one plant per pot, but depending on the size of the plants and the pot, 4 to 6 plants may be planted in one pot. After planting, cover with 5 to 8 cm of soil. Within one week after planting, place the pot in a cool, ventilated spot, then after a week move it to a bright location for care.
2. Watering: Saffron crocus is usually planted in autumn, and its growing season is winter and spring. As the climate is cold and dry, it needs appropriate watering. Seedlings emerge about 20 days after planting; water once before emergence to encourage it. Water once before winter to protect against frost and raise the soil temperature. Water once in mid-April to reduce the harm of dry hot winds. When watering, note that when the temperature is low, do not use ice-cold water; the water temperature should be similar to room temperature so that the potting soil does not freeze and affect plant growth.
3. Fertilizing: Before planting saffron crocus, add plenty of base fertilizer to the potting soil, such as cake fertilizer, barnyard manure, burned soil, plant ash, and chicken and duck manure, and also apply some superphosphate. After rooting, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer with balanced nitrogen and phosphorus every 10 days. Avoid applying fertilizer too concentrated, as this can cause excessive leaf growth and affect flower bud development. After flowering in October, apply 1 to 2 more applications of a quick-acting fertilizer balanced in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to support corm growth and development.
Precautions for saffron crocus
1. Variety selection: Saffron crocus usually blooms in winter and spring. When planting, gardening enthusiasts can choose different varieties according to their needs. It is recommended to choose spring-blooming varieties, as the spring environment is relatively better, and if the corms are stored promptly after flowering, the blooming period will last longer.
2. Pot size: For planting saffron crocus, choose a 15-20 cm clay pot or a plastic pot with good air permeability, and plant 4 to 6 large corms per pot in September to October. Small pots can also be used, such as 3-5 cm black plastic pots, with one corm per pot.
3. Corm storage: In April to May, the above-ground branches and leaves of saffron crocus gradually turn yellow. The corms can be dug out of the pot and kept, placed in a gauze bag, and stored in a place with little light that is cool and ventilated, keeping the room dry. They can be replanted in autumn.