Saffron growing conditions
A suitable location should be chosen for planting saffron, such that it is exposed to direct sunlight for a period of no less than five to six hours a day. It should also be planted in soil with good water drainage, especially in the winter, as wet soil causes saffron bulbs to rot. Among the types of soil that Can be used: sandy loam soil. The soil quality can also be improved by adding 5-7.6 cm of organic fertilizer.
Saffron can be planted in the spring under seasonal trees that shed their leaves, in order to obtain the nutrients and sunlight suitable for growth, while avoiding planting it under evergreen trees, because they prevent sunlight from reaching the saffron plant in the spring.
Saffron cultivation
Agriculture abroad
Saffron is grown in the form of bulbs, which are placed in the soil at a depth ranging between 7.6-12.7 cm, and at least 15.24 cm apart from each other. They must also be irrigated with water about 38 mm per week when the amount of rainfall in the area decreases.
Cultivation indoors
Saffron can be grown indoors in the fall, by following the following steps:
- Place 2.5-5 cm of fine or coarse sand at the bottom of a pot or planting basin, so that it reaches a depth of 15 cm.
- Fill the remainder of the basin with rich, well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole 5-7.6 cm deep, place the saffron bulbs in the center of the hole with them facing up, then cover them with soil.
- The spacing between the follicles is approximately 5-7.6 cm.
- Place the saffron basin in a cool room with a temperature ranging between 1.6-9 degrees Celsius, and access to sunlight for four to six hours each day.
- Water the saffron every two days, until the leaves begin to wilt and die, and they usually begin to die in the month of April.
- Move the aquarium to a warmer area, so that its temperature is between 10-21 degrees Celsius.
