Effects of Growing Substrate, Mode of Nutrient Supply, and Saffron Corm Size on Flowering, Growth, Photosynthetic Competence, and Cormlet Formation in Hydroponics

Hydroponics is a promising method for cultivation of saffron ( Crocus sativus ). In this study, corms were sprouted using gradual decrease in air temperature, and they cultivated hydroponically either perlite or volcanic rock 24 weeks. A nutrient solution was supplied an ebb-and-flow system continuous immersion. First blooming observed 29 days after transplantation. Among flowering traits, only the stigma length significantly influenced by type hydroponic system. Saffron plants displayed better growth parameters, higher photosynthetic rate stomatal conductance g S ), as well daughter corm (cormlet) production under immersion system, comparison with Small (22–25 mm diameter) did not bloom, emergence flowers increased size. Plant cormlet production, We obtained highest yield [number (1.9), (39.4 mm), fresh (42.8 mg), dry weight (5.3 mg)] cormlets (5.7), average diameter (25 (6.4 g)] mother sized ≥32 grown rock–based