How to grow Saffron

 

Growing Saffron Bulbs

Growing Saffron is not an extremely demanding method, however; some steps are important to take into account.

Normally, saffron is planted in light soil fields, with good drainage and without any flooding problems, which have been already used for other cultivations with no signs of illness to prevent phytosanitary problems. It is always good, to begin with, a fresh location with no prior cultivation for up to two years.

The most serious problems are those caused by the presence of Fusarium oxysporum funguses f. sp. Gladioli, Rhizoctonia croccorum, and Rhizoctonia violacea Tul, as well as Acarina Rhizoglyphus.

In Spain, we have seen a Saffron bulb disinfection being carried out before planting to mitigate the risk of fungus. There are fungicide solutions available on the market nowadays also on an organic basis.

It is crucial to dry the Saffron bulbs after the fungicide treatment. In Eastern Europe, we have seen the bulbs being disinfected using fungicides such as Brassicol or copper sulfide before planting.

Saffron Bulbs storage

The Crocus Sativus bulbs need to be kept in a dry, well-ventilated environment. Even though the bulbs seem dormant, saffron bulbs are a natural product and very much alive.

Just like other dry flower bulbs such as Tulips & Hyacinths, Crocus Sativus bulbs need to be able to ‘breath’ when above the ground.

The doors should be open up to provide fresh air and plenty of continuous air movement when stored in a warehouse. Saffron bulbs stored under the wrong conditions become sensitive to fungus which could impact your crop. Between 20–25 degrees Celsius (70–80F) would be the best storage Temperature.

Preparing the Saffron field is the task of preparing the field for the cultivation of multiple years of harvesting on the same field. The soil is being prepared by using tractors and a vibrating cylinder to loosen up the soil.

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We have seen cultivation preparation being carried out by horses in the U.S.A. with the Amish community in the state of Pennsylvania.

We have seen adding organic fertilization of 20–30 kg per hectare of matured manure. According to research conducted by the EU agricultural department, certain chemicals could be used afterward like phosphor and potash

Planting depth & spacing of Saffron Bulbs

The planting depth of Crocus Sativus is noteworthy and has a great impact on the flowering yield. 15 to 20 CM (6 to 8 Inches) would be the most common planting depth of Crocus Sativus in Spain & Italy.

Planting density influences the capacity for the reproduction of the Crocus Sativus bulb. Reproduction of Crocus Sativus is the process where small bulbs are being formed around the ‘mother’ bulb. The new smaller ‘daughter’ bulbs will all give flowers, hence the increased yield of Saffron stigmas.

For the production of up to 4 years, we observed a planting density of 15 CM (6 Inches) in Spain and Italy. This planting density gets lower to approximately 60 bulbs per m2 by using a 10/+ CM size of Saffron bulb. Basically, planting 600,000 bulbs per hectare is a fair estimate to provide a planting plan.

Saffron bulbs grow well under extreme weather conditions. Saffron bulbs like cold winters combined with hot and dry summers. The Saffron crop could use water in the Springtime when the reproduction of the Crocus Sativus occurs and flowering time in the Fall. In all other periods during the year, low quantities of water are needed for Saffron bulbs.

Land preparation of Saffron Fields

Reducing the weeds from the land is important. Weeds can disturb the reproduction process and potentially bring in potential illnesses. The weeds are still eradicated by hand In most countries. Be careful not to damage or harm the Saffron bulbs in case of mechanical weed removal.

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In most cases, the land is prepared by professional Saffron growers about one month before the Saffron flowering season. Usually, the month of September is being used to remove all the weeds and the surface of the soil is being grubbed to break the crust. It is vital to plan and prepare well for your Saffron harvest.

The flowering period of Saffron flowers is short and once the Saffron flowers are exposed to bad weather conditions, flowers could lose their properties for a longer period.

Harvesting Saffron

Flowering periods of Saffron flowers rely on climate conditions. In La Mancha, Spain, We see the flowering starting mid-October. The flowering period of Saffron flowers usually lasts for about 10–15 days. In the first five days of flowering, the majority of the Saffron flowers are harvested.

Although we are living in modern times, the tradition of harvesting Saffron flowers tells us that in most cases the harvesting is still being carried out by hand. The Saffron flower is cut at the lower part of its corolla. In most cases to reduce the pressure and damaging of the Saffron flower, the flowers are carefully placed in a basket.

The Saffron price also mainly depends on the harvesting cost, according to the estimations, an average worker can harvest and collect 8 to 16 kg of flowers per day. Harvesting the Saffron flowers is a time-consuming job and it can definitely impact the yield of your Saffron harvest.

We have seen different methods of harvesting whereby the worker is being placed in a more convenient position for example being able to collect the Saffron flowers while lying or sitting. the Saffron yield is influenced by all these enhanced growing and harvesting techniques.

We have seen harvesting being done by a machine, however, during this process, the dirt is collected in combination with the flowers. The dirt could cause a certain loss of your Saffron harvest by harming the Saffron flower and its stigmas.

Table of contents Ebook Training Saffron Planting In Greenhouse Step by Step

With this book, you can easily create your greenhouse of saffron anywhere in the world. All steps are taught by photos and videos.

Saffron and its properties
Step 1: Making or preparing a greenhouse
Step 2: Preparation of the environment inside the greenhouse
Step 3: Greenhouse facilities
Step 4: Preparation of Saffron bulb
Step 5: Aeration
Step 6: Silver the bulbs
Step 7: Stack Storage
Step 8: The End of storage and start the greenhouse
Step 9: Transfer the bulbs to the greenhouse
Step 10: Plant germination
Step 11: Flowering bulbs
Step 12: Return the bulbs to the ground
Step 13: Land irrigation
Step 14: foliar application
Step 15: Stop the growth of saffron bulbs and digging them out from the ground

Product details

·         File Size: 7/07 MB

·         Length: 91 pages

·         Publisher: Gruloda.com

·         Publication Date: July 31, 2019

·         Language: English

·         File Type: Ebook (PDF)

To buy the book Saffron Planting In Greenhouse Step by Step Click on the link below:

 

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