Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world and is harvested from the tiny red stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower which is part of the iris family. It originated in Asia Minor but today 85% of the world’s saffron is produced in Iran. Saffron is not just a culinary treasure it has been used in medicine and to make dyes and perfumes. In the India saffron is grown mainly in Kashmir and in US saffron is grown in Pennsylvania.
Foodies love saffron for its unique flavour and golden colour which makes everything look and taste better. It is a staple in Spanish cuisine especially in the classic seafood paella where its flavour and colour are essential. Beyond paella saffron threads are used to add flavour and visual appeal to many dishes like rice, couscous and hearty stews. A pinch of saffron can transform a dish and add luxury to everyday meals. Whether in savoury or sweet recipes saffron is a treasured spice that brings warmth and richness to any dish.
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How To Grow Kesar At Home Easily
Saffron, an exotic spice with a distinct aroma and flavour, can be grown at home with a few simple steps. Follow the steps below to easily grow kesar or saffron at home
Buy Crocus Corms
Crocus corm is the bulb of the saffron plant. You have to purchase fresh corm to start your saffron plant.
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Select A Location
Be it indoors or outdoors, select a location that receives bright sunlight and has well-draining soil. Dig the soil or opt for tilling it to help the soil loosen up.
Also Read: How To Grow Cinnamon In Your Home Garden
Improve Soil
Add organic materials to the soil to improve its fertility till the area where you want to plant your corms, then mix in 10 inches of organic materials. You can make use of peat, compost, or chopped leaves. The crocus bulbs can survive the winter thanks to the nutrients from this.
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Choose Containers
- Planting kesar in containers might be a suitable choice for you if rats or other pests are a persistent issue in your garden.
- You can either buy a planter with a minimum depth of 6-8 inches or make your container. To make an easy plant pot, you will need topsoil, weed cloth, duct tape, and plastic milk crates.
- Using weed cloth and duct tape, line plastic milk crates.
- You should put about 5 inches of topsoil inside your milk crates.
- Ensure there are drainage holes in your planter. Make drainage holes in that plastic milk crate.
Planting Time
Plant Kesar before the ground freezes or before the harsh winter arrives. Your corms should be planted 6–8 weeks before winter steps in for optimal results. This might happen in October or November.
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Planting Saffron Bulbs
- First, organise your crocus corms into groups.
- Saffron blooms will flourish better if you place them in clusters as opposed to rows. Plant your crocuses in groups of 10 to 12 about 3 inches apart from one another.
- If you are using a pot or milk crate, remember they can store only one group of 10-12 corms. If you want to plant more, then use more containers.
- Corms should be planted 3 to 4 inches deep. Dig little holes that are 3–4 inches deep and then place one corm in each hole, with the sharp end upward. Add soil over each bulb.
- In the case of containers, set your corm on top of the 5 inches of soil you had previously applied. Then add another 2 inches of soil over your corms.
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Water The Plants
- You have to water the kesar plant throughout the fall. Saffron grows best in the autumn, so it is crucial to keep the soil moist but not soggy during this period.
- Water your corms once or twice a week to start.
- Put two fingers into the soil to check the moisture many times per week.
- Start watering only once a week if there is standing water more than a day after watering.
- Start watering three times a week if your soil is entirely dry within a day.
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Fertilise Once Per Season
- Good fertiliser options include old manure, compost, and bone meal.
- If you reside in a region with a brief, mild spring, fertilise your kesar plant in the first few weeks of autumn.
- If you live in an area with a long, mild spring, fertilise your kesar plant after it has finished blooming.
- With timely fertilising, your saffron plant will be able to survive until the following year by building up a substantial store of carbohydrates.
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Continue caring
Saffron flowers are simple to grow if you take proper care. Crocus flowers should start to bloom 6 to 8 weeks after you plant your bulbs, but occasionally they would not start to bloom until the following fall, a full year after you planted your bulbs.