Crocus cultivation techniques

Cultivation history of saffron

Saffron, also known as saffron or saffron, is native to Spain and has a long history of cultivation in Iran, Saudi Arabia and other countries. Saffron was introduced into China in the Ming Dynasty, and the Compendium of Materia Medica listed it as medicine, and its blood-nourishing function was far more than that of ordinary saffron. Because this kind of medicinal material was introduced into Xizang from the Mediterranean coast through India and transported from Xizang to the mainland, it is usually called saffron in our country.

Morphological characteristics of saffron

Crocus sativus is a perennial herb. Bulbs oblate, varying in size, 0.5-10cm in diameter, covered with brown membranous scaly leaves. There are 14 clumps of 2 35cm from the bulb, each with 13 leaves, and the base is surrounded by 5 broad scales; the leaves are linear, 15-4mm long and 2-4mm wide, margin revolute and fine hairy. Flowers terminal, drawn from leaves, tepals 6, Obovate, lavender, spring florescence from February to March, autumn florescence from October to November. English name Saffron. There is no fruit in cultivation in our country (only flowering, no seed).

Saffron cultivation

Saffron is a bulbous flower planted in autumn, which likes cold, cool, moist and semi-shady environment. It is more hardy and suitable for sandy loam with good drainage and rich humus. The corms dormant in summer and root and sprout leaves in autumn. It blossoms in late October, and flowers bloom day and night.

Bulb propagation is the main method. The mature corm has several main and lateral buds, and after anthesis, it expands from the base of the leaf cluster to form a new corm. The new bulbs are dug out and planted in May every year, and the soil is required to be ploughed and fine, with sufficient base fertilizer. Planting bulbs in autumn, covering soil 5-8 cm, weeding in time during the growing period, paying attention to drainage after rain, loosening soil and watering in autumn drought, keeping the soil moist to facilitate rooting. Blooming in October and topdressing once after anthesis is beneficial to the development of corm. The corms were stored in a dry chamber of 17-23 ℃. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum harms corms and seedlings. Injured or diseased corms must be removed in storage to prevent corm deterioration and pathogen infection and spread. It can be sprayed with 500 times solution of 50% topiramate wettable powder.

Application of saffron

Saffron flowers and leaves are slender, the flowers are delicate and elegant, the flowers and colors are purple and have special fragrance, they are good materials for decorating flower beds and rock gardens, and can also be potted or watered for indoor viewing. In addition, saffron is also a good spice product and natural medicine, which has the functions of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, cooling blood and detoxification, relieving depression and calming the mind.