Evaluation of yield and growth characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under effect of planting date and corm size in Varamin plain

This research was aimed to evaluate the flower and stigma yield as well as growth traits of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) under effect of planting dates and corm size. The experiment was factorial in a complete randomized design with three replicates, conducted at the research farm of College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran during 2013-2014. The treatments consisted of four planting dates (June 10th, September 7th and 27th, and October 12th) and two corm weights (5-9 g and 10-14 g). Our results showed that the flower and stigma yield of large corms, planted on June 10th, was 50% higher as compared with other planting dates, and on September 27th, the yield was 25% higher. However, this difference was not significant in comparison with September 7th. The lowest flower and stigma yield was recorded for the planting date of October 12th in comparison with other planting dates, and these traits were higher in large corms as compared with small ones in all planting dates. The flower length and number of buds on June 10th were higher than that of others. In addition, the highest leaf dry weight and length in primary and secondary buds were recorded for the planting dates of June 10th and September 6th, which could be effective in production of daughter corms in the next year. The results showed that all growth characteristics in large corms were higher than that of small ones. Overall, these results indicate that the planting of 10-14-gram large corms on June 10th can improve the yield and growth characteristics of saffron in Varamin plain.