How to Turn Small Spaces Into a Saffron Farm: Easy Tips to Grow the World’s Costliest Spice

Got a spare room? You can turn it into a mini saffron farm. With modern indoor farming techniques, anyone can grow this precious spice in small spaces at home.

Ramesh Gera, a retired engineer from Noida, and Harsh Patil, a young innovator from Maharashtra, have successfully cultivated saffron indoors in small rooms and are an inspiration for others wanting to start.

1. Choose the right room Select a room about 100 to 150 sq. ft. It should be insulated and allow temperature control, between 15 - 20°C for sprouting, and five to seven degrees Celsius for flowering.

2. Set up cooling Insulate walls and set up air conditioning or cooling. Maintain good airflow and humidity at 60 to 70% to create a healthy growing environment.

3. Select quality bulbs Use high-quality ‘ mogra ’ saffron bulbs, ideal for indoor growth. Proper bulbs are important for strong roots and vibrant flowers.

4. Treat bulbs first Soak bulbs briefly in neem oil solution to prevent fungal infections, then dry thoroughly before planting.

5. Use a soilless medium Opt for aeroponics or soilless media. Aeroponics sprays nutrients directly onto roots, ideal for limited space and precise control.

6. Install grow lights Provide 12 hours of grow light daily to mimic natural sunlight. Maintain the humidity levels.

7. Control the temperature Keep the room temperature 15 to 20°C during sprouting, then reduce it to five to seven degrees Celsius to induce flowering, replicating saffron’s natural growth cycle.

8. Water with care Use clean and nutrient-enriched water sparingly. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and allow steady plant development.

9. Harvest every morning Saffron blooms last only a few days. Harvest the red stigmas by hand early each morning for the highest quality threads.

10. Dry and store well Dry threads in a dark and ventilated spot, away from sunlight. Store in airtight containers to preserve aroma and colour for longer.

Tips to remember Regularly monitor for pests and diseases. Consistent care in lighting, temperature, and humidity guarantees a flourishing indoor saffron harvest.