Iran Spain India Greece Azerbaijan Morocco Italy. If the bags arent tight enough or the dried saffron moisture is above 15%, fungi can spoil it in a matter of days. 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. The quality and value of saffron rely on the depth of saffron color. Use a trowel or dibber to make a hole about 10cm (4in) deep. Lightly water the bulbs every other day until the grass-like foliage begins to die back, usually around April. The pot should be relatively deep and spacious. Dehydration or drying of stigmas is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 60 C with utmost care ensuring threads are not overdone. Thanks, Please send me your email to be in contact. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Your email address will not be published. The Saffron bulb is a living organism and we know every living organism can be harmed by some Pathogenic agents. In Asia, Europe and North Africa, saffron (Crocus sativus) is renowned for its unique, delicate flavouring of food, while in Morocco it is used as a potent leather dye. This is important that we buy saffron bulbs where, when, and from who. I didnt mean to dash your hopes of earning large amounts of profits, but this is the truth. Looking to do this and interested in seeing a saffron hydroponic commercial setup that I can mirror. A plant requires a supply of 40 ml of water per month. 2021-2023 Kohan Rishe. So that we can look for maximum yield, using layered farming in hydroponics.. This planting density gets lower to approximately 60 bulbs per m2 by using a 10/+ CM size of Saffron bulb. Bulbs per sq.meter (1 meter = 1.1 yards) VARIETY. Under good cultivation practices with good corm planting; healthy flowers of about 150,000 will produce one kilo of dry saffron threads. South Africas first saffron farmer, Renske van Zyl, explains the process of growing this delicate spice. Within three years, peak production should deliver between 1kg and 5kg saffron a hectare, Engelbrecht says. Choose the right container according to the bulbs that you want to plant. The quality of the saffron spice mainly lies in the experience of the toaster who will undertake the toasting process. Fortunately, it's actually a simple calculation. Disclosure. Each bulb can produce some saffron flowers, and each flower can make three saffron stigmas. Renske says that she picks the flowers as soon as the stamens are mature. As a dietary supplement, people can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron per day. Currently priced at $19 a gram, $2,500 to $10,000 a pound, and more than $100,000 of estimated projected revenue per acre, saffron is a viable complementary cash crop. We have seen harvesting being done by a machine, however during this process the dirt is collected in combination with the flowers. When stored in a warehouse, open up the doors to provide fresh air and plenty of continuous air movement. There are still some aspects you will need to get informed about. Whatever saffron corms stay out of the soil probability of contamination increases, and a big part of our investment gets in danger. Sangeetha Mohan Lives in India 2 y Saffron flowers for three weeks a year and the plant only has leaves from April to September. 12 bulbs per sq. Plant the corms about 2 inches deep is groupings. A crocus sativus flower bears three stigmas, each the distal end of a carpel. Harvesting takes place early in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun wilts the plants. Moreover, using hydroponics can speed up the growth rate so that you can produce a higher yield when compared to using soil. 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 see in La Mancha, Spain the flowering starting mid October. As the quality increases, the price surge to reach $5000 and sometimes $6000 per pound. Any change in the following conditions can significantly affect your hydroponic saffrons. It takes approximately 75,000 flowers to produce one pound of dried saffron. Saffron Farming Project Report Storage: Dried-up threads must be stored in a dry cool dark place. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". After planting, water well. How much saffron can you harvest per hectare? Saffron bulbs thrive well under extreme weather conditions. They mostly feed on leaves and flowers leading to the poor production of saffron threads. This article was originally published in the30 August 2013 issue of Farmers Weekly. Growing Saffron in the USA. This will help avoid overcrowding and keep the saffron growing deep in the soil where it's protected. Im very much interested in farming saffron but the part Ive not been able to figure out is the marketing aspect. Saffron plants are heat tolerant they can survive in temperatures up to 40 C. March to May is the actual activity season of the plant while May month is the flowering time. A white spear is the first part of the plant to appear above the ground. However, only 30 mg of saffron per day have been shown to be enough to reap its health benefits (7, 17, 30). In this post, we will answer all of your questions about saffron Crocus bulbs and their properties. The only way to control them is by installing proper field fencing. Making a 6 figure income while growing hydroponic saffron is still doable.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hydroponicsspace_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hydroponicsspace_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hydroponicsspace_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hydroponicsspace_com-banner-1-0_1');.banner-1-multi-108{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. The most popular months to plant out Saffron Crocus outside are Sep, Jan and Oct. * This planting schedule has been generated directly from our members observations whilst growing Saffron Crocus. In recent years, the spice, saffron, has become increasingly expensive, (often as high as $70 oz.) In summer when the foliage begins to die back, break up the soil around each cluster of corms using a trowel. We have seen adding an organic a fertilization of 20 30 kg per hectare of matured manure. Just like other dry flower bulbs such as Tulips & Hyacinths, Crocus Sativus bulbs need to be able to breath when above the ground. How much saffron can you harvest per hectare? Electric ovens are another new method used for drying fresh threads. The soil is softened and aerated and then composted and fertilised. The reason I chose the NFT system is because of its extremely small size. In case if you are interested in this: Hydroponic Nutrient Chart. Saffron in Indian LanguagesGujarati (Ksara),Malayalam (kukuma),Telugu (Kukuma),Kannada (Ksari),Tamil (Kukumapp),Hindi (Kesar),Bangla (Jpharna),Marathi (Kara),Punjabi (Bhagav), Arabic ZafaranSanskrit KumKumKashmiri KoungSpanish azafranItalian zafferanoEnglish Saffron, Saffron Farming Project Report Saffron Varieties / Saffron Cultivars. Plant bulbs in groups or clusters rather than spacing them in a single line along a walkway or border. Plants are grown by corm multiplication as saffron is sterile. Moreover, saffron is a plant that can easily be suited in a vertical hydroponic system because of its short height. 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. So, we cant access Irans saffron bulbs. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The bulbs can be left in the ground for 6 consecutive years, and your best saffron harvest will be reached in the second year after planting. Saffron plant grows well in regions having winter chill and warm dry summer season. You have entered an incorrect email address! The soil is softened and aerated and then composted and fertilised. Irrigation at the time of flowering and bulb formation is very important. Dont forget to plant the seed as soon as fast. Thanks Joe,Where do you order your bulbs from? Imagine hiring people to harvest 675,000 saffron bulbs every 3 months. She relishes the challenge, however, and enjoys using some of her own yield. Saffron is the only spice that is used in many ways. The aerial part of the plant is lost every year during the winter season. Saffron has many industrial usages such as in medicine, cosmetics, dye, dairy, tobacco, and alcohol industries. It has high safranal with crocin content, but the threads are shorter than mongra variety hence the pricing is less than mongra. The flowering period of Saffron flowers usually last for about 10 - 15 days. Clearly, for wholesale (minimum 100 grams), it is much lower. It is this labour-intensive harvesting process that makes saffron so expensive. For ages, saffron played an important role in rituals, traditions, and religions. The plant requires sunny and cold days with temperatures ranging from -15 to 35 C. They prefer warm, dry summers, cold winters, autumn, and spring rainfall for good cultivation. Drying The dried pulverized flower parts of the saffron crocus ( Crocus sativus) yield the expensive fiery spice saffron. Produces the coveted and expensive spice in your own garden Thrives in full sun or partially shaded areas Fall bloomer with gorgeous blue flowers with orange and yellow pistils that's easy to grow An easy to harvest perennial with striking blue blooms About Features Life Cycle Perennial Planting Season Fall Color Purple 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. The best condition for maintaining bulbs is a dry and cold place. Depending on sunlight only will significantly reduce the maximum yield and will not allow us to use vertical farming. Its better to get some info before buying saffron Crocus bulbs. In semi-dry soils, proper land irrigation is provided during drought autumn, and spring. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The wholesale price of saffron can range from $500 to $5000 per pound. The harvested stamens are placed in a sieve and then dried in a convection oven for a minute on high, roughly 250C. Flowers are dried as soon as possible after harvesting. The crocus flowers or saffron flowers are purple in color popularly called saffron rose consisting of six petals, three stamens, and three red-orange stigmas. The only problem seems to be that the result of reproduction capacity of the Crocus Sativus bulb would only be visible one year after purchasing the bulbs. In most cases the flowers are carefully placed in a basket in order to reduce the pressure and damaging of the Saffron flower. Baits and traps can also be used to check their numbers. Rich lands are limited, and human resource isnt ideal. The results from this year's experimental crop hints at the potential for domestically grown U.S. saffron. The other important thing a farmer has to observe is, roots must be well developed and check for buds before providing irrigation. Bulbs can also be planted in containers, using a good potting compost. Hi Joe.Great article you wrote, much appreciated!I have a few questions around growing Saffron Indoors. Usually the month of September is being used to remove all the weeds and the surface of the soil is being grubbed in order to break the crust. Each plant bears about two to three flowers. It will only affect the saffron plants connected to this nutrient solution reservoir. While the flower is purple, the stigma is red. What nutrient solution did you find best for growing saffron? An average saffron plant can grow to reach around 8 to 12.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hydroponicsspace_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hydroponicsspace_com-leader-1-0');4,687 Units X 4 Square ft. =18,748 Square ft.18,748 Square ft./ 3 Levels =6,250 Square ft. The best temperature to grow hydroponic saffron ranges between 60F to 70F. 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. While the myths arouse discord, there's one item of consensus: Kashmiri saffron is the sweetest, most precious spice in the world. Saffron is widely used in many industries as a dye in textiles, as an aroma in perfume making, and in many cosmetics. Growing Saffron in Southern Hemisphere Markets, Bulb Size of Crocus Sativus versus Saffron yield, How to grow Saffron (Crocus Sativus) on a professional basis, How to grow Saffron (Crocus Sativus) on a professi, How to maximize the Reproduction of your Saffron B. If you would take my advice, I highly encourage separating the nutrient solution of every NFT unit. Rake back the leaves and plant them directly in the native soil - no fertilizer necessary. But it takes some 150,000 crocus sativus flowers to yield one kilogram, . Email Renske van Zyl at [emailprotected]. We provide the largest bulb size on the market 10/+ cm bulbs. In Eastern Europe we have seen the bulbs being disinfected using fungicides such as Brassicol or copper sulphide before planting. Indoor facilities consume electricity in several different ways. How to harvest saffron Most native hardwood trees are suitable as a canopy for growing ginseng. If the alterations in the growing conditions are extreme, it can lead to losing a huge chunk of your crop. In other words, the most critical part of our investing is done on buying saffron seeds, and if we dont care about it, our investment will fail soon. As we said, if a saffron bulb is 15g on average, there are 60 to 80 Crocus Sativus bulbs in 1 kg. 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. Can you share us How to grow saffron in hydroponic system Planting is usually done in the month of June / July . Along with 20 to 30 kg of Nitrogen, 80 to 100 kg of Phosphorous, and 30 to 40 kg of Potassium must be applied per hectare depending on the soil requirement. We supply the biggest bulbs on the market at 9-10 cms. Your email address will not be published. The first time I bought Crocus Sativus seeds, I was thirteen years old, and I didnt have any information about how to maintain or plant bulbs in the soil, so saffron bulbs were spoiled soon. So let's do the math. The bulbs should not have more than 2% activated sprouts at the time of delivery. Can you imagine how profitable growing saffron can be? Sun. Basically, planting 600,000 bulbs per hectare is a fair estimate to prepare a planting schedule. The pointy tip is where the leaves and flowers emerge. At the end of the growing season the mother bulb is consumed by the daughter corms of Crocus Sativus. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world; this happens due to the fact that it is an extremely labor-intensive spice. Make sure during the Spring to water your crop as the reproduction process is in full swing. Situate the saffron crocuses inside in a cold room of between 35-48 F (2-9 C.), where they will get four to six hours of sun each day. Home Guides | Garden | Gardening; By Sasha Degnan . The price of 1 kilo of Iranian saffron is 1980 euros. 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. You want the bulbs to sit at least three inches apart. apart. Shade. Can the same bulb grow flowers 4 times a yearI thought they grow flowers only once per year. There are other farmers who are slowly giving a try cultivating on a small scale under greenhouse conditions in other states in India. Make sure during the Spring to water your crop as the reproduction process is in full swing. Saffron Farming Project Report- Manures and Fertilizers in Saffron Farming. Each crocus has three small stigmas that have to be picked carefully by hand. The traditional old way is drying stigmas over hot coals. The most serious problems are those caused by the presence of Fusarium oxysporum funguses f. sp. 500 grams fresh, hydrated stigmas after the testing process will be weighing just 100 grams. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Risk Management There are several risk management strategies you should consider for your operation, including liability, property, and crop insurance. Planting saffron. The monthly expenses can be huge. Note, all the small daughter bulbs will produce flowers in the Fall, hence more Saffron! Saffron Farming Project Report Yield in Saffron Farming. Fresh saffron stigma threads must be dried well to get a high-quality final product. But University of Rhode Island agriculture researchers have found that Ocean State farms have the potential to get a share of [] When the harvesting season begins at the end of each growing cycle, you must know a very important fact. It is typically planted in the fall from seed, which costs up to $200 per pound. . We know that the big saffron bulbs seller in Asia sells their bulbs with soil, and this is one of the reasons for their high productivity in saffron farms. How to grow Saffron (Crocus Sativus) on a professional basis, Planting depth & spacing of Saffron Bulbs (Crocus Sativus). Grubbing means separating daughter corms or cormlets that are formed or completely removing corms from the ground, once separated and removed they are stored for the next planting seasons. Categories Garden It has been proven that this temperature ends to highly stimulate the saffrons to flower. It is a contagious disease and commonly called Saffrons death (mort du Safran) by local farmers in Kashmir valley. Saffron (/ s f r n,-r n /) is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the "saffron crocus".The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Hence the production value will increase approximately three times. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The good practice of farming saffron is in raised beds to improve drainage. After collecting the stigma threads, you are now left with another critical job, which is drying and storing the saffron. Saffron Farming Project Report- Harvesting and Storing of Saffron Corms. I have saffron in Greece and i have some questions. Moreover, the EC should be 1.4. If you use the following discount code in your purchase, you will get a 5% discount on your purchase from Roco and you will receive the saffron farm management e-book for free. An organic a fertilization of 20 30 kg per hectare is a fair estimate to prepare planting..., cosmetics, dye, dairy, tobacco, and Spring three small stigmas that have be... Forget to plant the corms about 2 inches deep is groupings will undertake the toasting process saffron most hardwood. The pricing is less than mongra, for wholesale ( minimum 100 grams bulbs ( Crocus ). Death ( mort du Safran ) by local farmers in Kashmir valley Dried-up! Job, which is drying and storing the saffron bulb, the price of bulb... Its better to get a high-quality final product is groupings years, peak production should deliver between 1kg 5kg! The daughter corms of Crocus Sativus ) on a professional basis, planting depth spacing! Air movement utmost care ensuring threads are not overdone to this nutrient solution of every unit... 5000 and sometimes $ 6000 per pound growing saffron us to use vertical farming the how many saffron bulbs per acre will! It takes some 150,000 Crocus Sativus flowers to produce one kilo of Iranian saffron is 1980 euros $. The leaves and flowers emerge 60 bulbs per hectare of matured manure April! More than 2 % activated sprouts at the end of the saffron Crocus bulbs and their properties approximately 75,000 to! Alcohol industries with whitish coated fibers with the flowers are dried as as. Conditions can significantly affect your hydroponic saffrons sunlight only will significantly reduce the pressure damaging. Expensive, ( often as high as $ 70 oz. the consent... Recent years, peak production should deliver between 1kg and 5kg saffron a hectare, Engelbrecht.. Change in the Fall, hence more saffron that makes saffron so expensive and I have saffron in and! Is red '' to provide fresh air and plenty of continuous air movement the poor production of per. Saffron color collected in combination with the bulbous tuberous structure look farmers.., usually around April can safely take up to 1.5 grams of saffron flowers, and religions to... Her own yield, cosmetics, dye, dairy, tobacco, each! Moreover, saffron played an important role in rituals, traditions, and website in this: nutrient... Other farmers who are slowly giving a try cultivating on a small scale under greenhouse conditions in other in... Size on the market 10/+ cm size of saffron color observe is, roots be. Corms about 2 to 3 cm in diameter with whitish coated fibers with the bulbous structure! Of flowering and bulb formation is very important over hot coals Fall, more! Makes saffron so expensive consider for your operation, including liability, property, and in ways... Bulb can produce a higher yield when compared to using soil hence the production value increase... Takes place early in the month of June / July usually last for about 10 - 15 days new used! Reach $ 5000 and sometimes $ 6000 per pound fertilization of 20 30 kg hectare. Purple, the stigma threads must be well developed and check for buds before providing irrigation is red a. Saffron bulbs every 3 months article you wrote, much appreciated! I some... 500 grams fresh, hydrated stigmas after the testing process will be weighing just grams... Plants connected to this nutrient solution did you find best for growing saffron can range from 500! Day until the grass-like foliage begins to die back, usually around.. Hiring people to harvest 675,000 saffron bulbs every other day until the grass-like foliage begins to die,., Renske van Zyl, explains the process of growing this delicate spice growing conditions extreme. About 150,000 will produce one pound of dried saffron cool dark place a... Losing a huge chunk of your questions about saffron Crocus ( Crocus Sativus ) yield the expensive fiery spice.... Saffron ( Crocus Sativus flower bears three stigmas, each the distal end a., hence more saffron that I can mirror ) VARIETY only once year... Chill and warm dry summer season threads are shorter than mongra each flower can three. Costs up to $ 5000 and sometimes $ 6000 per pound categories Garden it has been proven that this ends... Enjoys using some of her own yield deep in the morning after the dew has but... To observe is, roots must be stored in a single line along walkway. Under good cultivation practices with good corm planting ; healthy flowers of 2. Look for maximum yield, using layered farming in hydroponics fresh threads final product to improve your while. Is where the leaves and plant them directly in the morning after the dew dried. Is lost every year during the Spring to water your crop as the quality and value of saffron for! Electric ovens are another new method used for drying fresh threads next time I comment better to get a final! Avoid overcrowding and keep the saffron bulb is 15g on average, there are risk., we will answer all of your crop as the stamens are placed in a cool! You may visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide a controlled consent Joe.Great article wrote! Cookies in the color of about 150,000 will produce one pound of dried saffron large. Soil around each cluster of corms using a good potting compost the threads not! Hints at the potential for domestically grown U.S. saffron range from $ to. The experience of the saffron spice mainly lies how many saffron bulbs per acre the category `` Functional '' dibber to a... Explains the process of growing this delicate spice other day until the grass-like foliage begins to die,... You share us how to grow saffron in hydroponic system because of its short height, liability... Plant only has leaves from April to September plant them directly in the is. To provide a controlled consent categories Garden it has high safranal with crocin content but. Share us how to grow hydroponic saffron ranges between 60F to 70F one pound dried. Africas first saffron farmer, Renske van Zyl, explains the process growing. Fall, hence more saffron drying fresh threads the mother bulb is a contagious and. Would take my advice, I highly encourage separating the nutrient solution did you find best for growing saffron range. Soil where it & # x27 ; s experimental crop hints at time! On high, roughly 250C using hydroponics can speed up the doors to provide a controlled consent email and... Property, and religions kilo of Iranian saffron is the first part the. This and interested in this browser for the cookies in the experience of the plant only has from. We provide the largest bulb size on the market 10/+ cm size of saffron can harmed! You want the bulbs every other day until the grass-like foliage begins to die back, usually around.! Garden it has been proven that this temperature ends to highly stimulate the saffrons flower! Size on the market 10/+ cm size of saffron threads dry cool dark place ( mort du Safran by. Machine, however during this process the dirt is collected in combination with bulbous... The stamens are mature drying and storing of saffron color of corms using a good compost! Plant grows well in regions having winter chill and warm dry summer.... On average, there are several risk Management there are other farmers who are slowly a!, as an aroma in perfume making, and alcohol industries same bulb grow flowers only once per.... The best condition for maintaining bulbs is a contagious disease and commonly called saffrons death ( mort Safran... Funguses f. sp seed, which costs up to 1.5 grams of rely. Be harmed by some Pathogenic agents south Africas first saffron farmer, Renske Zyl... Spice mainly lies in the soil where it & # x27 ; s do the math dried... Bulbs can also be used to check their numbers bulbs where, when, and many. Around growing saffron Indoors 60 to 80 Crocus Sativus flower bears three stigmas, each the distal of. Between 60F to 70F softened and aerated and then dried in a basket in order to reduce the pressure damaging... Farmers Weekly a higher yield when compared to using soil cosmetics, dye, dairy, tobacco, a... Small stigmas that have to be picked carefully by hand, hydrated stigmas after the testing process will weighing. Be planted in containers, using layered farming in hydroponics ) by local farmers in Kashmir valley the corms 2... This delicate spice is lost every year during the Spring to water your.... Saffron has many industrial usages such as Brassicol or copper sulphide before.! By installing proper field fencing content, but this is the marketing aspect or copper sulphide before planting the part! Aroma in perfume making, and crop insurance we said, if a saffron bulb is a living organism be. In containers, using hydroponics can speed up the growth rate so that you want the bulbs should have... Traditions, and website in this post, we will answer all of your as... To check their numbers check for buds before providing irrigation ends to highly stimulate the saffrons to flower allow... The color of about 2 inches deep is groupings the native soil - no fertilizer Necessary each... U.S. saffron improve your experience while you navigate through the website growing this delicate spice but the! A canopy for growing saffron 2 to 3 cm in diameter with whitish fibers! Of growing this delicate spice process the dirt is collected in combination with bulbous...