ABSTRACT

Saffron is an ideal plant for arid and semi-arid regions with water limitations because its corms have a 5-month dormancy period without irrigation requirement, which starts from early May when spring rainfalls are almost finished. Once out of its dormancy, saffron have to be irrigated like any other crop. In the saffron producing regions of Iran irrigation starts from mid-October to early November depending on local climate. However, irrigation may start from early October in cold regions and be delayed till late November in warmer climates (1).