How to grow and care for a saffron plant?

Saffron is derived from the Crocus sativus plant, originating in southwest Asia, specifically in Iran. It is a highly prized spice used for medicines and food colouring. The saffron spice is derived from the stigmas of the saffron flower. It is a thread-like dry part of the flower with a vibrant yellow-orange hue, distinctive flavor, and aromatic qualities. It is said to be effective in curing depression, anxiety, and several other health conditions. According to some, it also kills cancer cells of the human body but there is no reliable evidence to back up these claims. Beyond its medicinal uses, saffron holds cultural significance and has applications in multiple traditional cuisines.

See also: How to grow and care for thyme plant?

 

Saffron plant: Key facts

Botanical name	Crocus Sativus
Common name	Saffron
Family	Iridaceae
Native area	Originally from Southwest Asia, specifically Iran, but also cultivated in countries like India, Spain, and Greece..
Plant-type	Herbaceous perennial plant.
Mature size	Grows up to 20-30 cm in height.
Sun exposure	Requires full sun exposure.
Soil type	Well-drained, rich, and loamy soil.
Flower size	Approximately 5 cm.
Flower colour	Purple with orange stigmas, which are the sought-after saffron threads.
Toxic	Generally non-toxic; however, should be used in culinary amounts.

 

How to grow Saffron plants?

To grow saffron plants, choose early fall for planting saffron crocus. Be mindful of the threat caused by chipmunks and squirrels by planting it among groundcovers or use a thin layer of mulch to disguise your gardening efforts. For extra protection, secure a layer of chicken wire over the newly planted crocus bed.

Dig down 3 inches in well-drained soil and plant the saffron corms with the pointed end facing down. The pointed end usually has some dried roots, guiding you in the right direction. You can dig one 3-inch trench or use a narrow trowel to open one 3-inch hole at a time.

Place the corm in the hole or trench and cover it with enough soil to level with the surrounding area. Firmly press down on the soil, then water the planting area using a watering can or a gentle spray from your garden hose. If the planted area sinks, add more soil to match the nearby level to prevent water pooling and corm rot. Keep the corms spaced 3 to 4 inches apart.

Plant saffron crocus in August or early September to harvest it in October. You must plant around 50 crocus corms to get one tablespoon of saffron.

 

How to care for Saffron plants?

Sunlight

Saffron crocus are best grown in direct sunlight. Yet, since these plants bloom in the fall when trees have shed their leaves, they can also thrive in spots with some shade from trees during the summer.

Temperature

Saffron crocus prefers temperatures around 70°F, but it can grow in a broader range from 50°F to 90°F. It can handle brief periods of lower temperatures. Humidity doesn’t suit saffron plants well, as it affects the quality of the product. Hence, the ideal humidity ranges between 40–50 percent.

Soil and water

Plant the corms in soil that drains well, or choose sandy soil. Water them right after planting, followed by a weekly regimen of only half an inch of water throughout the rest of the growing season. Stop watering them in the summer when they’re not actively growing.

 

How to harvest saffron?

The lavender flowers of the saffron crocus bloom for about two weeks. As the petals lengthen, the slender stigmas in the centre of the flowers also grow. Watch the flowers closely and harvest them when the petals have reached a stable size. Pick the flowers by aiming for partially open flowers, and the petals are dry. After gathering all the flowers, pluck the three red stigmas from each bloom and collect them in a deep bowl to prevent them from blowing away.

 

What is the ideal environment to plant saffron?

To plant saffron crocus, choose a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-drained or sandy soil. If your garden doesn’t have these ideal conditions, use a container. Fill it with potting soil, place the crocus corms inside, and position it in the sunniest area. Since crocus flowers are small, around 3 to 5 inches tall, plant them where you can easily admire the purple blooms. You can also produce the corms individually in a low ground cover to hide them from squirrels and chipmunks or allocate a specific garden bed.

 

Why is Saffron so expensive?

Saffron is mainly grown in Iran but is also cultivated in Spain, France, Italy (on the lower parts of the Apennines Range), and certain regions of India. It’s a crop that requires much manual work; each flower produces three stigmas, carefully handpicked, laid out on trays, and dried over charcoal fires. These dried stigmas are then used to add flavour and colour to food. To get just one pound of saffron (about 0.45 kilograms), you need 75,000 blossoms. Saffron has 0.5 to 1 percent essential oil, with the main component being picrocrocin. At different times, saffron has been valued even more than its weight in gold, maintaining its status as the world’s most expensive spice today. 

 

Are saffron plants toxic?

Saffron is a spice used in various food items and medicines. Its intake is considered to be safe up to 100 mg daily for up to 26 weeks. However, it has several side effects and can be allergic to people with certain health conditions (such as people allergic to Lolium, Olea and Salsola plant species). Some common side effects observed are drowsiness, stomach problems and  nausea. Additionally, consuming a high dose of saffron, particularly 5 grams or more, can be unsafe and may cause poisoning. Notably doses of 12-20 grams of saffron can be fatal to the human body.

The intake of Saffron is said to be healthy during pregnancy, but it is important to take certain precautions, as a high dose can cause contractions in the uterus, resulting in miscarriage. Additionally saffron can slow down the central nervous system; hence, it should not be consumed at least 2 weeks before any surgical procedure.

Read also: How to grow and care for Lantana plants at home?

 

What are the benefits and uses of Saffron?

• Powerful antioxidants like Crocin, picrocrocin, safranal, kaempferol, and crocetin are found in saffron, which are crucial in preventing conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
• Compounds like crocin in saffron show potential benefits for disorders like Alzheimer’s.
• Saffron extracts can elevate dopamine levels in the brain, suggesting a potential role in treating depression.
• Saffron consumption is linked to increased sex drive in both men and women.
• Daily saffron intake or exposure to its aroma may reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
• Research suggests saffron extracts contribute to lowering BMI, total fat mass, and waist circumference, especially in individuals with coronary artery disease. 

 

FAQs

Is Saffron grown in India?

States like Jammu, Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh produce large amounts of saffron in India.

Can Saffron be grown at home?

Yes, one can grow saffron at home; however, it's a high-maintenance and slow-growing plant that needs many flowers to produce a small amount of saffron spice.

How much does a kilogram of saffron cost?

One kilogram of Pure Saffron or Kashmiri Kesar costs approximately Rs. 3,00,000, making it one of the most expensive spices globally.

Which type of Saffron is the best?

The best type of saffron is often called Kashmiri saffron, also known as Kashmiri Kesar or Kashmir Saffron. Renowned for its exceptional quality, Kashmiri saffron is widely regarded as one of the finest varieties of saffron globally.

How many types of Saffron are there?

There are 3 primary types of saffron: Persian saffron Kashmiri saffron Spanish saffron.

How much time does a Saffron plant take to grow?

The garden varieties of saffron can grow in approximately 6 to 10 weeks. However, when saffron is farmed, the plants typically take almost a year to grow and blossom before they are ready to be harvested.

What is the general height of a saffron plant?

Most saffron plants grow up to 20-30 cm in height.

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