Detailed Explanation of Saffron Cultivation Techniques and Field Management Methods

Cultivation History of Saffron

Saffron, also called Tibetan saffron or saffron crocus, originated in Spain and has a long cultivation history in countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia. Saffron was introduced to China during the Ming Dynasty, and "Compendium of Materia Medica" listed it among medicinal substances; in terms of its blood-nourishing function, it far surpasses ordinary safflower. Because this medicinal material was introduced from the Mediterranean coast through India into Tibet, and then transported from Tibet to the interior, it is commonly called Tibetan saffron in China.

Morphological Characteristics of Saffron

Saffron (Crocus sativus) is a perennial herb. The corm is flattened and spherical, varying in size, with a diameter of 0.5—10cm, covered externally by brown membranous scale leaves. From the corm grow 2—14 clumps, each clump having 2—13 leaves, with the base surrounded by 3—5 broad scales; the leaves are linear, 15—35cm long and 2—4mm wide, with revolute margins bearing fine hairs. The flowers are terminal, emerging from the leaf clumps, with 6 perianth segments, obovate, light purple; spring flowering period is February-March, autumn flowering period is October—November. English name Saffron. In China, cultivation has not been observed to set seed (it only flowers and does not produce seeds).

Saffron Cultivation

Saffron is an autumn-planted bulbous flower that prefers cool, humid and semi-shaded environments, is relatively cold-tolerant, and is suitable for well-drained sandy loam rich in humus. The corm is dormant in summer and develops roots and sprouts leaves in autumn. It begins flowering from late October, and the flowers open during the day and close at night.

Propagation is mainly by corms. Mature corms have multiple main and lateral buds, and after flowering new corms form and swell from the base of the leaf clumps. Every year in May, the new corms are dug out for planting; the soil is required to be plowed and finely prepared, with sufficient base fertilizer applied. In autumn, the corms are planted, covered with 5-8 cm of soil; during the growing period, weeds are removed in time, drainage is attended to after rain, and during autumn drought the soil should be loosened and watered to keep the soil moist so as to facilitate rooting. It flowers in October, and after flowering one topdressing is applied, which is beneficial to corm development. The corms are stored in a dry room at 17-23°C. Sclerotinia disease harms corms and seedlings, so when storing corms, injured or diseased corms must be removed to prevent corm deterioration and infection and spread of pathogens. Spraying with 50% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 500 times dilution can be used for control.

Applications of Saffron

Saffron has slender leaf clumps and delicate, elegant flowers; the flower color is purple and it has a distinctive fragrance. It is a good material for embellishing flower beds and arranging rock gardens, and can also be potted or hydroponically grown for indoor viewing. In addition, saffron is also an excellent spice product and natural medicinal material, with the functions of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, cooling blood and detoxifying, and relieving depression and calming the mind.