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Herbs

Saffron

Crocus sativus

Saffron is a flowering plant belonging to the Iridaceae family, known for its vivid crimson stigmas which are harvested and dried to produce the spice saffron. It is valued for its flavor, color, and medicinal properties. Saffron is primarily used in culinary dishes, traditional medicine, and as a dye.

Calculate System for Saffron
300.00–500.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
20.00–40.00cm
Root Depth
300 kg/ha
Yield
222,222
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Oct – Jan (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
30 days
Late
Kc 0.800
20 days

Saffron requires careful handling during harvest to avoid damage to the delicate flowers. Varieties include 'Saffron Crocus' and 'Persian Saffron', with specific adaptations to local climates.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 300.00500.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Low
Water Productivity: 10.000 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Furrow Irrigation50.00%

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 10.0°C – 30.0°C

Semi-Arid
ETo: 4.008.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 40.0°C
Frost: medium
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Saffron thrives in regions with hot, dry summers and cool to cold winters. Protecting bulbs from frost is essential.

Planting Layout

30.00cm
Row Spacing
15.00cm
Plant Spacing
222,222
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)100 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)50 kg/ha
Potassium (K)150 kg/ha
30
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
20
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
15
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen before planting and during the growing season in split applications.
Organic Matter: 1-2% organic matter is recommended.

Yield Information

300
kg/ha
0.005
kg/plant
0.150
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Color, aroma, and flavor intensity

Design Your Saffron Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Saffron field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Growing Saffron and Sustainable Irrigation Methods

Saffron is a highly valuable and sought-after spice, known for its distinct flavor, aroma and vibrant color. It is derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the saffron crocus. Growing saffron can be a profitable venture due to its high market demand and relatively low production costs. However, to…

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