Effect of planting date, depth and distance on vegetative and generative characteristics of saffron (Saffron sativus L.) in Maku, Iran

Effects of planting date, depth and distance on growth and yield of saffron were studied in Maku environmental condition. The experiment was factorial based on a complete randomized block design with two planting dates (16th and 29th September), two planting depths (20 and 25 cm) and two plant distances (20, 25 cm) with tree replications during 2008-2010. Results showed that number of leaves, fresh and dry weight of leaves, wet and dry weight of flowers, fresh and dry weight of stigma, and length of stigma and leaf area were affected by treatments. The indices of plant growth and yield components such as number of leaves, stigma length, fresh and dry weight of leaf, flower, stigma and leaf area were increased in the first date of planting (16th September). The plant distance has also affected plant growth and yield production. The highest yield was obtained in less plant distance and low planting depth treatment.