Saffron

Family: Iris Crocus

Habits: autumn plants bulbous flowers, crocus origin in southern Europe. Likes cool humid and semi-overcast environment, cold, suitable for good drainage, humus-rich sandy loam. Bulbs dormancy in summer, autumn rooting, sprouting leaves. It blooms in late October and flowers open day and close night.

Reproduction: Reproduction by corms. Mature corms have many main and lateral buds, which expand from the base of leaf cluster to form new corms after flowering. New bulbs are dug up and planted in August and September every year, and they can bloom in the same year. Seed propagation takes 3-4 years to flower.

Cultivation: the soil should be tilled fine, apply sufficient base fertilizer. Plant bulbs in autumn, cover soil 5-8 cm, weed in time during growth period, pay attention to drainage after rain, loosen soil and water in autumn drought, keep soil moist for rooting. Blooming in October, topdressing once after flowering, conducive to bulb development. After one planting, the corms can be dug out and planted separately every few years when they are crowded. The corms are stored in a drying chamber at 17-23℃.

Pests and diseases: sclerotium disease harms bulbs and seedlings. Damaged or diseased bulbs must be removed from storage to prevent deterioration of bulbs and infection and spread of germs. 50% thiophanate wettable powder can be sprayed with 500 times solution for control.

Application: Crocus leaves are slender and young, flowers are delicate and elegant, colors are white, purple, orange, etc., with special fragrance, it is a good material for decorating flower beds and arranging rock gardens, but also potted or water for indoor viewing.