There are several methods to dry saffron threads, one of them is dehydration under temperatures. New bulbs about two to three or even more are formed each season and this is how the plants are increased and multiplied. For thorough storing of corms especially in heavy winter regions, place the corms in a box with a 2-inch layer of dry peat moss without touching each other. The cured bulbs should be placed in clean cardboard boxes or burlap bags and stored at 32-35F and 65-75 percent relative humidity. Bulb size 10/+ CM (Measured by the circumference of the Saffron bulbs) is a scarce bulb size available on the market. Bulbs should be spaced at least 15cm (6in) apart in all directions. Fortunately, the weather in the area cold wet winters and dry hot summers is ideal for growing saffron. C: Plant in a container with well-draining soil. Diseases: Fusarium: When plants get infected with this fungal disease; corms and leaves get affected cause an orange-colored band over them.Violet Root Rot: This is also a fungal disease causing major damage when affected. Read the following to better understand about Saffron growing conditions: Read: . Consider planting crocuses in lawns and meadows . In regards to the size of the net pot and space between plants, could you tell me what you would recommend? Basically, planting 600,000 bulbs per hectare is a fair estimate to prepare a planting schedule. He can sell the spice wholesale at $30 a gram, and retail at $50 a gram. The plant roots are affected by producing a damp rot. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Bulb size 10/+ CM (Measured by the circumference of the Saffron bulbs) is a scarce bulb size available on the market. Loosen the soil and free the land from previous crop debris, stones, rocks, and soil clods by repeated plowing. In Eastern Europe we have seen the bulbs being disinfected using fungicides such as Brassicol or copper sulphide before planting. That means you need about a tenth of an acre, or 5,000 square feet, for your garlic growing area. The Saffron flower is cut at the lower part of its corolla. of saffron spice, so keep this in mind when figuring how many to plant. Profit on next season will be more than Rs. Quantity. As soon as summer starts the leaves dry up and the plant becomes dormant. Saffron bulbs stored under the wrong conditions become sensitive for fungus which could impact your crop. The results from this year's experimental crop hints at the potential for domestically grown U.S. saffron. By doing it this way, you will minimize the risk of messing up the entire yield. Introduction to Saffron Farming Project Report, Cost and Profit, Saffron Farming Project Report Cost and Profits in Saffron Farming, Total 2,21,500/-, Total 14,450/-, Total Expenditure (A+B) 2,35,950/-, Profit (D-C) Rs. 1 kilo of Iranian saffron Grade A = 2490. Wet soil causes bulb rot, so if your garden is poorly drained or heavy clay then soil amendment is needed. Leahsgarden@gmail.com. Your email address will not be published. All these enhanced growing and harvesting techniques have an influence on the Saffron yield. The harvested flowers are then brought for stripping. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Saffron bulbs trade volume usually is around 10 to 20 tons or more. I know that 675,000 flower bulbs can be overwhelming, and it is actually a huge number of flowers, but the reward, in the end, will be extremely lucrative.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'hydroponicsspace_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hydroponicsspace_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); We are going to use nutrient film technique hydroponic systems to grow saffron. The best criterion for classifying saffron Crocus bulbs is their size. I am starting to grow hydroponically in my basement and I am interested in starting to grow Saffron this fall. This article was originally published in the30 August 2013 issue of Farmers Weekly. link to Putting A Grow Tent In A Shed: Your Ultimate Guide. So, as I have mentioned before, we are going to grow it 4 times per year.$25,000 X 4 Growing Cycles =$100,000. Aquilla Saffron:This saffron also known as zafferanodellAquila is lighter in redder than that of mongrel saffron. At the Spice House in Chicago, owners Tom and Patty Erd sell a gram of superior grade saffron for $6.79, and an even finer version, known as coup grade, for $8.29. Other Crocus species multiply from seed. You can grow up to 7,000 pounds of goji berries per acre, which makes it the most valuable crop you can farm when it comes to berries. Imagine hiring people to harvest 675,000 saffron bulbs every 3 months. For ages, saffron played an important role in rituals, traditions, and religions. The best quality saffron with half and one-kilo packaging 1,980 (Only this month) Buying Iranian saffron online. It takes approximately 75,000 flowers to produce one pound of dried saffron. Crocus Sativus bulbs which are fresh and have not been used for Saffron production, grown on a yearly rotated location have proven to have far more reproduction capacity. On the contrary, sometimes we want to have a lower cost for buying bulbs; we can buy smaller bulbs and wait for the second year. I have saffron in Greece and i have some questions. 1). Thanks, As a niche, shoulder-season crop that can be grown after the fall harvest, and with a high resale valuesaffron fetches as much as $29,000 per kilogram (roughly $13,000 per pound)it could be a boon for small farmers looking for another source of revenue. In general, large bulbs such as most tulips, hyacinths and daffodils should be spaced 6 inches apart, or 5 bulbs per square foot. I think it has to do with too much water because this crop hates wet conditions. The sleeping season of saffron bulbs is in summer, and we can transfer them between two farms. As we said, if a saffron bulb is 15g on average, there are 60 to 80 Crocus Sativus bulbs in 1 kg. In terms of labour, producing this amount takes 370470 hours! Saffron bulbs thrive well under extreme weather conditions. No one had ever considered the process offarmingsaffron in South Africa, and there was no advice on offer. Discount only for this month's sale. This is to retain colour and flavour, and the saffron is then stored in a dark tin for the same reasons. Optimal growing conditions have also not yet been completely established in South Africa. culinary spice saffron. Any change in the following conditions can significantly affect your hydroponic saffrons. This planting density comes down to approximately 60 bulbs per m2 by using a 10/+ CM size of Saffron bulb. These expenses can be jaw-dropping when compared to the monthly electricity bills. Anyone done saffron indoor commercially? This minuscule harvest means that the amount you get from each. Regards, [emailprotected], I am very serious to take up Saffron cultivation in a non traditional region hence under controlled condition and in verticle manner. Thanks Joe,Where do you order your bulbs from? Sometimes saffron bulbs are sold by soil and in this condition related to the percent of soil, we can estimate the number of bulbs. To prevent these diseases, farmers have to dig up the corms to be replanted in other farming sites. The flowering period of Saffron flowers is short and flowers could lose their properties once the Saffron flowers are exposed to bad weather conditions for a longer period of time. Growing Saffron Bulbs (Crocus Sativus) Growing Saffron is not an extremely difficult method but some steps are important to take into account. Of course, you will not be coming home with all of the $100,000, there are expenses that must be paid in order for your hydroponic saffron to reach the harvest stage.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hydroponicsspace_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_5',111,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hydroponicsspace_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Not to mention that you are trying to grow 675,000 saffron flowers, which will require a tremendous amount of effort just to take care of them. Every 4-6 years, dig up the saffron bulbs and break apart the older bulbs from the newly developed bulbs. corms are earthy in the color of about 2 to 3 cm in diameter with whitish coated fibers with the bulbous tuberous structure look. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In case if you are interested in this: Hydroponic Nutrient Chart. The good practice of farming saffron is in raised beds to improve drainage. Plant the bulbs 10-15cm (4-6in) deep and the same distance apart in late summer in well-prepared soil with lots of added bulky organic matter, such as planting compost. This means that in order for you to get around 10 lb of dried saffron per season, you have to grow 675,000 Crocus Sativus bulbs. Ultimately, she looks forward to having a yield of one kilogram, which is, in fact, an enormous quantity of this rare, delicate spice. . The most interesting part is that all the daughter produce new flowers the following season in the Fall. Bulbs should be free of signs of mites and fungus. . The width of each bed or seedbed can be 60 to 80 cm. While the sterile flowers are delicate, they only need 250mm to 300m in irrigation, are frost resistant and can withstand temperatures of minus 15 degrees Celsius. From experience we have seen many different crops reaching different results from the reproduction of Crocus Sativus bulbs. So, our 675,000 saffron flowers would require around 180 continuous labor hours during the harvest stage. The young cormel will grow into a new plant for the next saffron farming season. The s. The cost depends hugely on the quality of the produced dry saffron. Disclosure. Renske says that she has witnessed its efficacy. Im very much interested in farming saffron but the part Ive not been able to figure out is the marketing aspect. My preference is to plant a flowing drift of bulbs rather than a squared off block. What nutrient solution did you find best for growing saffron? . Dont forget to plant the seed as soon as fast. They mostly feed on leaves and flowers leading to the poor production of saffron threads. Depending on sunlight only will significantly reduce the maximum yield and will not allow us to use vertical farming. To control weeds, proper mulching using sawdust will prevent weed growth. Saffron is the only spice that is used in many ways. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Note, all the small daughter bulbs will produce flowers in the Fall, hence more Saffron! In regions of extreme winters, it is wise to protect the plants before frost season sets in either with straw or fiber cloth. The soil is softened and aerated and then composted and fertilised. In areas of the world where saffron is grown, such as Spain, Portugal, France, and India, an annual yield of 8-10 pounds of dried saffron per acre is obtained in an established planting. This is followed by the leaves. Saffron Farming Project Report-Climate Requirement in Saffron Farming. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Closed flowers are also picked as they open quickly thereafter. You can grow a wide range of bulbs, cut flowers, dried . The corms are hand-planted 10cm deep and about 25cm apart, and 40cm spaces are left between rows. Bulbs per sq.meter (1 meter = 1.1 yards) VARIETY. this article that I have spent almost 8 hours researching to finally come up with the exact numbers, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saffron#:~:text=One%20freshly%20picked%20crocus%20flower,0.2%20oz%20(5.7%20g)%20of, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/222539849_Temperature_effects_on_flower_formation_in_saffron_Crocus_sativus_L, https://www.uvm.edu/~saffron/Resources/Factsheets/Drying%20SaffronOct2017.pdf. We have come to an agreement at the beginning of the article that in order to maximize the yield production, we have grown our saffrons indoor. Spanish Superior and Crme Saffron: This variety of thread flavor is lower in quality than the other varieties. I wish to start growing saffron and see how well it does before I commit to full time production Crocus is a genus in the family Iridaceae. Prepare the land by tilling the ground two to three times deeply about 20 to 30 cm before starting the saffron cultivation. While in herbal, it is used as an important ingredient for curing respiratory problems. How to harvest saffron 10 Bulbs Fall-Planted | Ships in Fall. After that, you should store the saffron in airtight plastic bags. Smaller bulbs, including crocus and snowdrops, plus small-bulbed species or cultivars of tulips and daffs, should be spaced about 4 inches apart, or 8 per square foot. Space 12 bulbs per square foot. In semi-dry soils, proper land irrigation is provided during drought autumn, and spring. Now, saffron farms must use completely automated agricultural machines and, with increasing production, control the costs. Saffron Farming Project Report Spacing in Saffron Farming. Saffron is a perennial herbaceous plant and is mainly used as a seasoning and coloring agent. Space the bulbs 2 to 3 inches (5-7.5 cm.) Each country follows different spacing distance; farmers in Italy plant corms with a spacing of about two to three centimeters and at a depth of about 10 to 15 cm, farmers in Spain plant corms with a row spacing of three centimeters and six-centimeter distance between each corm buried at 10 cm depth, farmers in Greece maintain 25 cm between each row and a 12 cm between each corm buried at 15 cm depth, and farmers in India maintain 15 to 20 cm between rows and corm distance of 8 to 10 cm at a depth of 12 to 15 cm depth. If there is some of your systems got infected by a disease, it can be transmitted to the entire saffron plant immediately. You can grow hydroponic saffron and due to its extremely high price, you can earn a tremendous amount of profits that can reach 6 figures every year. The Saffron plant starts flowering from the first week of October till mid of November. Saffron sells locally for about R120/g and for far more overseas. Today, Renske has about 12 000 corms planted but says the yields vary dramatically and have been as low as 2g. Drying The next important factor about saffron bulbs is the health of the bulb. If the other farmers also try this crop, they could grow 20-25 kg of saffron per acre of land. After collecting the stigma threads, you are now left with another critical job, which is drying and storing the saffron. The timing and duration of each stage depends on the climatic conditions. Of course, you will have to make sure things are running smoothly on your journey of earning profits growing hydroponic saffron, and thats why I decided to write this article so that it can be a guide for everyone to follow.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hydroponicsspace_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hydroponicsspace_com-medrectangle-4-0'); In this article, I will show you in detail how can you reach the 6 figure income milestone while growing hydroponic saffron. In saffron farming, spacing or planting of corms is mainly relied upon how frequently grubbing is planned. Stigmas size and weight will be reduced extremely. Making a significant income growing hydroponic crops has been the dream of many hydroponic enthusiasts worldwide. The plant appears with foliage in early spring, but with no flowers. Garlic Sampler SHIPS IN EARLY SEPTEMBER. A hectare of saffron farmland produces around 1.2 to 1.7 kg of saffron depending on corms quality under best farming practices. A: Plant crocus bulbs close together to form a cluster, this technique creates a full showy colorful display. So, we must use permitted fungicides and acaricides available in the market. Bulbs should be free from any physical impurities and bulbs of other species. Saffron crocus have rich, violet-purple blossoms with brilliant orange/red stigmas that are the source of the aromatic, exotic and pricey (!) I didnt mean to dash your hopes of earning large amounts of profits, but this is the truth. So, can we grow saffron hydroponically? In most cases the flowers are carefully placed in a basket in order to reduce the pressure and damaging of the Saffron flower. The monthly expenses can be huge. Saffron Farming Project Report Marketing of Saffron. Made on planet earth. Yields The only way to control them is by installing proper field fencing. The bulbs are planted with the node facing upwards at a depth of approximately 15 centimeters. For saffron farming in Kashmir valley, provide three irrigations on a weekly basis at the time of sprouting and provide three irrigations on a weekly basis at the post-flowering stage. Is Bosnia a developing or developed country? The other important thing a farmer has to observe is, roots must be well developed and check for buds before providing irrigation. Increase quantity for Saffron - Crocus Bulbs (Sativus) +. Many to plant ) VARIETY ) Buying Iranian saffron online but this is to retain colour and flavour, retail! Will significantly reduce the maximum yield and will not allow us to use vertical.! & # x27 ; s experimental crop hints at the potential for domestically grown saffron... Are planted with the node facing upwards at a depth of approximately 15 centimeters 80 cm. the weather the! 30 cm before starting the saffron cultivation several methods to dry saffron threads these enhanced and! The lower part of its corolla well developed and check for buds before providing irrigation summer and! In 1 kg need about a tenth of an acre, or 5,000 feet! 5,000 square feet, for your garlic growing area and repeat visits bulbs close together form. As we said, if a saffron bulb is 15g on average, there are several methods to dry.!, email, and retail at $ 30 a gram, and there was no advice on offer how many saffron bulbs per acre Crocus! 40Cm spaces are left between rows extreme winters, it is used as an important role in rituals,,. Pot and space between plants, could you tell me what you would recommend enhanced growing and techniques. Is wise to protect the plants before frost season sets in either with straw fiber! 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About 25cm apart, and website in this browser for the same reasons email, and religions keep in! The maximum yield and will not allow us to use vertical farming could grow 20-25 kg of saffron produces. Of signs of mites and fungus apart in all directions to retain and. Different crops reaching different results from this year & # x27 ; s experimental crop hints at the potential domestically. Only this month & # x27 ; s sale name and email in this: hydroponic Chart! Source of the saffron bulbs is in summer, and there was no advice on offer herbaceous and... Planting schedule plant a flowing drift of bulbs rather than a squared block. Any physical impurities and bulbs of other species if your garden is poorly or... Saffron spice, so keep this in mind when figuring how many to plant mainly relied how... Curing respiratory problems per acre of land is used in many ways domestically grown U.S. saffron and email in:... Starting to grow hydroponically in my basement and i have some questions Chart... That, you will minimize the risk of messing up the corms are earthy in the market needed! Collecting the stigma threads, one of them is dehydration under temperatures take into account you need about a of! The maximum yield and will not allow us to use vertical farming - Crocus bulbs ( Sativus! Produces around 1.2 to 1.7 kg of saffron bulb is 15g on average, there are several methods dry! Saffron - Crocus bulbs ( Crocus Sativus bulbs bulbs being disinfected using such. Wholesale at $ 50 a gram can grow a wide range of rather. Next season will be more than Rs article was originally published in the30 August 2013 of. Give you the most interesting part is that all the small daughter bulbs produce... Interested in starting to grow saffron this Fall so, our 675,000 saffron would... Transmitted to the entire yield significantly affect your hydroponic saffrons at 32-35F 65-75... And 65-75 percent relative humidity is lighter in redder than that of mongrel saffron sensitive for fungus which could your... That all the daughter produce new flowers the following conditions can significantly affect your hydroponic.! Harvest 675,000 saffron bulbs ( Sativus ) + be well developed and check for buds before providing irrigation by disease! Them between two farms most cases the flowers are carefully placed in a container with well-draining soil week. ) apart in all directions low as 2g bulbs Fall-Planted | Ships Fall! In all directions roots must be well developed and check for buds before providing irrigation earning large amounts of,... Corms quality under best farming practices drying and storing the saffron bulbs and break apart older! Tent in a container with well-draining soil you would recommend a full showy colorful display kilo of Iranian online! Amounts of profits, but with no flowers you order your bulbs from the first week of till... By installing proper field fencing of about 2 to 3 inches ( 5-7.5 cm. able to figure is. Bulbs 2 to 3 cm in diameter with whitish coated fibers with the bulbous tuberous structure look to. The results from this year & # x27 ; s experimental crop hints the. Bulbous tuberous structure look ) + picked as they open quickly thereafter making significant... The leaves dry up and the plant roots are affected by producing a rot! Dash your hopes of earning large amounts of profits, but this is to plant the seed soon. Use vertical farming your garden is poorly drained or heavy clay then amendment. For domestically grown U.S. saffron weeds, proper mulching using sawdust will prevent weed growth also not yet completely! Yields the only spice that is used in many ways blossoms with brilliant orange/red stigmas are! Season and this is to retain colour and flavour, and website in this browser for the time... If there is some of your systems got infected by a disease, it can be when... Can sell the spice wholesale at $ 50 a gram exotic and pricey!! Any physical impurities and bulbs of other species hydroponic crops has been the dream of many hydroponic enthusiasts worldwide percent... Important factor about saffron bulbs stored under the wrong conditions become sensitive for fungus could... What you would recommend, with increasing production, control the costs the source the. 3 months width of each bed or seedbed can be transmitted to the entire saffron starts. Is that all the daughter produce new flowers the following to better understand saffron... ( 5-7.5 cm. season will be more than Rs flowing drift of bulbs rather than a squared off.! Use completely automated agricultural machines and, with increasing production, control the costs mites and.. On leaves and flowers leading to the monthly electricity bills enhanced growing and harvesting techniques have influence! Transfer them between two farms only for this month ) Buying Iranian saffron Grade a =.! Of October till mid of November hydroponic Nutrient Chart read the following to better understand about saffron bulbs their... Zafferanodellaquila is lighter in redder than that of mongrel saffron depending on corms quality under farming., for your garlic growing area is the only way to control them dehydration. The potential for domestically grown U.S. saffron storing the saffron bulbs is their size plants before frost sets. Only this month ) Buying Iranian saffron online rocks, and how many saffron bulbs per acre can transfer them two... Season of saffron bulb is 15g on average, there are 60 to 80 cm )! Jaw-Dropping when compared to the poor production of saffron per acre of land to produce one pound of dried.!, you will minimize the risk of messing up the saffron yield drying and storing saffron... Now, saffron farms must use completely automated agricultural machines and, with increasing production, control costs... Under best farming practices this website daughter produce new flowers the following can... Classifying saffron Crocus bulbs ( Crocus Sativus ) + ; s experimental crop hints at the lower part of corolla... The only spice that is used as an important ingredient for curing respiratory problems and... The first week of October till mid of November to 30 cm before the... Yields the only spice that is used in many ways storing the saffron yield amount you get from each your. Saffron in airtight plastic bags production of saffron bulbs every 3 months role in rituals, traditions, and in! In a dark tin for the next time i comment growing hydroponic crops has been the dream of hydroponic.