Saffron Farming Information

Saffron, also known as red gold, is a unique crop and by far the world’s most expensive spice. It 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 various uses. Saffron is used as a seasoning and colouring agent in various food dishes, in fragrances, perfumes, dye and in medicine for various ailments and health benefits.

Saffricon is offering trial packs for first time or existing producers to explore Saffron farming in their area. With support from Saffricon, the producer plants and cultivates saffron on their own land. Package options for commercial farming and for the home gardener are available.

The Trial Pack is not an economic unit but can become economic in 5 years through multiplication of corms over the years.

Saffricon offers
3 ways to get
culitivating

Trial Pack

Saffricon is offering this trial pack to test saffron farming in their area and climatic conditions before expanding their saffron growing operation.

Gardener Pack

Saffricon created the Gardener Pack, especially for the avid gardener who want to plant a few corms in their garden for own use.

Small Scale and Commercial Farming

With support from Saffricon, the producer plants and cultivates saffron on their own landcrop.

SAFFRON CHARACTERISTICS

  • Winter crop: March to October.
  • Temperature threshold of -15°C to 45°C.
  • Frost resistant.
  • Low fertiliser cost.
  • Low production cost.
  • Moderate quantity of irrigation water required, between 2500 – 3000 cubes per hectare per season
  • Labour intensive during flowering in April, 2-3 weeks, 7 days per week.
  • Low maintenance throughout the rest of the year.
  • Weed control done manually.
  • Traditionally a Mediterranean climate is required, but saffron also grows well in a non-Mediterranean climate.
  • A sandy, or sandy loam soil is preferred.
  • Is traditionally planted in winter rainfall areas. Corms can be planted in summer rainfall areas, but we advise to lift the corms at the end of the growing season should your area receive excessive rain.

PRODUCTION BENEFITS

  • Excellent crop to diversify the farming enterprise.
  • Own upfront finance is required.
  • Planting material provided is already acclimatised to Southern Hemisphere.
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