Kesor seeds planting at home easy method

Question

Anurag Gupta · Accepted Answer

Planting Kesar (saffron) seeds at home requires some care and attention, as saffron is a delicate and high-maintenance plant. However, the process can be simplified with the right approach. Here's an easy method to plant

saffron seeds at home:

Materials Needed:
Saffron Corms (Bulbs): While saffron is usually grown from corms (underground stems), if you have saffron seeds, they can be used too, but they might take longer to grow.
A shallow container or pot: Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained soil: Saffron requires soil with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Water: Regular watering is essential, but avoid overwatering.
Fertilizer: Organic compost or slow-release fertilizer for better growth.
Sunlight: Saffron needs full sunlight for around 6 hours a day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Saffron:

Choose a Suitable Container:

Select a shallow container or pot that is about 6 to 8 inches deep. Ensure it has good drainage holes at the bottom.

Prepare the Soil:

Saffron prefers well-draining soil. Use a mixture of potting soil and sand to ensure good drainage. You can also mix some organic compost to enrich the soil with nutrients.

Plant the Corms or Seeds:

For Corms: Plant the corms about 4-6 inches deep in the soil, with the pointed end facing up. Space them about 6 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.
For Seeds: If using saffron seeds, scatter them on the soil surface, then lightly press them down or cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the seeds moist, but not soaking wet.

Watering:

Water the soil lightly to moisten it, but avoid overwatering. Saffron is drought-tolerant, but it needs enough moisture to grow healthy bulbs. Water regularly, especially when the plants start sprouting.

Place in a Sunny Location:

Saffron thrives in full sunlight. Place the pot or container in a sunny spot, where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

Maintain Temperature:

Saffron grows best in moderate temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 20°C). It also needs a period of cooler temperatures to bloom (around 40°F to 50°F or 4°C to 10°C).

Fertilizing:

Feed the saffron plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost once every 2-3 months during the growing season.

Care During Blooming:

Saffron flowers typically bloom in the fall (around October or November). During this time, you can harvest the beautiful purple flowers. The saffron threads are the red stigmas inside the flowers, which are collected carefully.

Harvesting:

After the flowers bloom, carefully pick the saffron threads (stigmas). Dry them in a cool, dark place for a few days before storing them in an airtight container.
Tips:
Patience: Growing saffron from seed can take time, sometimes even 1-2 years before the first blooms appear.
Avoid Overwatering: Overwatering can cause the corms to rot, so make sure the soil drains well and is not too wet.
Winter Care: In colder climates, you may need to bring the pots indoors during winter to protect the plants from frost.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow saffron at home, though keep in mind that it requires patience and proper care to yield the precious saffron threads.