How Does Saffron Reproduce? A Detailed Guide to Corm and Seed Propagation Methods

Saffron, also known as Crocus sativus (detailed introduction), is a very famous and precious flower with high medicinal value as well as excellent ornamental value. Generally, saffron is mainly propagated by two methods: corm propagation and seed propagation. Here is a detailed introduction to both propagation methods for saffron.

Saffron

1. Corm division propagation. This is generally carried out in August to September. A mature corm has multiple main and lateral buds. After flowering, new corms form from the swollen base of the leaf cluster. After the above-ground parts wither in summer, dig out the corms, grade them, dry them in the shade, and store them. Early planting is beneficial for forming strong seedlings. Each mature corm has several main buds and lateral buds. When planting, large corms over 8 grams should be planted separately from small ones. Small corms weighing under 8 grams cannot flower that year and need another year of cultivation. For pot cultivation, it is best to select spring-flowering corms weighing about 20 grams in October, use pots with an inner diameter of 15 cm, and plant 5 to 6 corms per pot. After planting, place them outdoors for care first. Roots form after about two weeks, then move them indoors to a spot with ample light and fresh, humid air. They can bloom around New Year's Day. After flowering, promptly remove the spent flowers to avoid nutrient consumption, and apply 1 to 2 times a compound fertilizer solution mainly containing phosphorus and potassium to promote strong corm growth. Continue normal care until the above-ground parts turn yellow and wither in early summer, then take out the corms, dry them in the shade, and store them. Saffron can also be grown in water for ornamental purposes, using the same method as soaking narcissus (detailed introduction).

2. Seed propagation. Because saffron does not easily set seed, seeds can only be obtained after artificial pollination. Once the seeds are mature, sow them immediately in an open-field seedbed or in a pot. The sowing density should not be too high; sparser is better, because the plants need to grow corms and generally cannot be dug up for 2 years. From sowing seeds to the plant flowering often takes 3 to 4 years.

Corm Division and Seed Propagation of Crocus sativus

Crocus sativus is a horticultural variety of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis with a certain ornamental value, and its flowering period lasts all year. Because Crocus sativus has strong branching ability, it tolerates pruning well, and its adaptability to soil is also relatively broad. Friends who like to propagate Crocus sativus themselves can choose corm division and seed propagation methods.

Crocus sativus

I. Corm Division Propagation

For propagation by corms, in early to mid-May, before the above-ground parts of Crocus sativus have completely died back, dig out the corms, separate them by size, and store them in a ventilated, dry place. Plant them in early to mid-September. Before planting, soak the corms in a diluted benlate solution, and at the same time treat the soil with DD, which gives a good effect on eliminating soil nematodes and preventing the spread of pests and diseases. Planting corms early allows them to root first and then sprout, emerge earlier, and this benefits plant growth and development; planting late causes them to sprout first and then root, emerge late, and the seedlings grow poorly. The size of the corm is closely related to whether it flowers. Corms weighing under 8 grams generally do not flower, and the number of flowers increases as corm weight increases. The number of leaf clusters, number of leaves, and leaf size also have a certain relationship with corm size. Therefore, saffron planting corms must be selected and graded for planting. Generally, they are divided into four grades for planting: over 25 grams, 16 to 25 grams, 8 to 18 grams, and under 8 grams, to facilitate management. Soaking the planting corms in 5% limewater for 20 minutes before sowing can prevent rot of the terminal buds; soaking the corms in a mixture of 25% carbendazim 500x solution and either dicofol or 40% dimethoate 3000x solution for 20 minutes, then planting immediately, can prevent rot disease and Rhizoglyphus robini. Before planting, remove the lateral buds from the corms. Planting corms under 16 grams should keep 1 terminal bud, those 16 to 25 grams should keep 2 terminal buds, and those over 25 grams should keep 3 terminal buds, then plant on flat beds. The yield of saffron has a certain relationship with planting density and depth. If planted too shallowly, the number of new corms is large, individuals are small, and few corms can flower; if planted too deeply (for example, 10 cm deep), although the new corms are somewhat larger, the number of flowering corms also decreases. For this reason, the planting density and depth of saffron should be determined according to corm size, and they should be planted separately. Corms under 8 grams should be planted at a row spacing of 9 to 12 cm, plant spacing of 3 cm, and depth of 3 to 4.5 cm; corms of 8 to 25 grams are best planted at a row spacing of 12 cm, plant spacing of 6 to 9 cm, and depth of 6 cm; corms over 25 grams are best planted at a row spacing of 12 to 15 cm, plant spacing of 9 to 12 cm, and depth of 6 cm. When planting, open furrows according to the above depths, place the corms at the above density with the main bud facing upward, press lightly into the soil, and cover with soil and level it. The seed corm usage per hectare is about 10500 kg.

II. Seed Propagation

Because saffron does not easily set seed, seeds can only be obtained after artificial pollination. Once the seeds are mature, sow them immediately in an open-field seedbed or in a pot. The sowing density should not be too high; sparser is better, because the plants need to grow corms and generally cannot be dug up for 2 years. From sowing seeds to the plant flowering often takes 3 to 4 years.

How Does Saffron Reproduce? Sowing and Corm Division Methods

Because saffron does not easily set seed, seeds can only be obtained after artificial pollination. Once the seeds are mature, sow them immediately in an open-field seedbed or in a pot.

The sowing density should not be too high; sparser is better, because the plants need to grow corms and generally cannot be dug up for 2 years. From sowing seeds to the plant flowering often takes 3 to 4 years.

The corm division propagation method for saffron is generally carried out in August to September. A mature corm has multiple main and lateral buds. After flowering, new corms form from the swollen base of the leaf cluster. After the above-ground parts wither in summer, dig out the corms, grade them, dry them in the shade, and store them.

Generally, each mature corm has several main buds and lateral buds. When planting, large corms over 8 grams can be planted separately from small ones. Small corms weighing under 8 grams cannot flower that year and need another year of cultivation.

For pot cultivation, it is best to select spring-flowering corms weighing about 20 grams in October, use pots with an inner diameter of 15 cm, and plant 5 to 6 corms per pot. After planting, place them outdoors for care first. Roots form after about two weeks, then move them indoors to a spot with ample light and fresh, humid air. They can bloom around New Year's Day.