Saffron—popularly known as Kesar—is one of the world’s most expensive spices. Saffron cultivation in India is mainly done in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir. Some farmers have found success in saffron farming in Uttarakhand. Saffron plant needs warm and dry summer and extreme cold during winter. Traditionally grown in cold regions like Kashmir, Iran, and Spain, saffron can actually be cultivated indoors at home with the right setup. Whether you live in a flat, city home, or small space, you can grow saffron or ‘Red Gold’ using containers, spare rooms, grow lights, and good-quality corms.
This guide explains how to start indoor saffron farming at home, covering setup, soil mix, temperature, watering, flowering, harvesting, and common problems. Year-round, export quality saffron can be produced indoor and huge profit can be generated from a small piece of land/room.
Can Saffron Really Grow Indoors?
Yes. Saffron grows from corms, not seeds. These corms sprout purple flowers that contain three red stigmas — the actual saffron threads. Indoors, one can simulate the ideal autumn-winter climate and successfully produce saffron. This method is commercially proven and new-age agripreneurs around the world are increasingly growing saffron at home.
What Is Indoor Saffron Farming?
Indoor saffron farming means growing saffron crocus bulbs (corms) inside a room or container in controlled conditions by mimicking the climate of ideal saffron growing regions— using pots, trays, aeroponics, chilling machine, misting system, air-tight insulated grow rooms etc. Since saffron needs a cold dormant period and a warm growth phase, indoor growing helps you control temperature and moisture easily.
Growing saffron indoor:
- Indoor saffron farming uses controlled rooms instead of open fields.
- Saffron corms are grown in shallow trays placed on vertical racks to save space.
- The setup maintains regulated temperature (15–20°C), humidity, and airflow for ideal growth.
- Corms are usually grown with minimal or no soil, often using substrate or hydroponic trays.
- The bulbs sprout and flower within 30–45 days under proper light and ventilation.
- Each violet flower produces three red stigmas, which are hand-harvested as saffron.
- The system reduces disease, improves yield, and supports year-round saffron production.
Open Field vs Indoor Saffron Farming (Comparison Table)
| Open Field Saffron Farming | Indoor Saffron Farming |
|---|---|
| Requires land and outdoor space | Can be grown in small spaces, rooms, terrace |
| Seasonal—depends on natural climate | Year-round growing possible with temperature control |
| High risk of pests, rain damage, frost | Protected from weather, pests, and soil diseases |
| Soil variations can affect growth | Soil mix can be fully controlled |
| Needs cold winters and dry summers | Climate can be simulated with AC/chillers/fans |
| Larger-scale cultivation possible | Best for small to medium-scale cultivation |
| Difficult to control watering during rains | Precise watering is easy indoors |
| Flowers only in natural season (Oct–Nov) | Flowering can be shifted using controlled temperature |
| Requires more labor and monitoring | Low maintenance once setup is done |
| Higher upfront land cost | Higher initial setup cost (chillers, lights, racks, containers) |
| Natural sunlight availability | Depends on window sunlight or grow lights |
| Facing challenges due to changing climate and attack of wild animals specially porcupines. | Higher success rate due to controlled conditions and higher rate due to clean, disease free, export quality yield. |
How to Grow Saffron Indoors at Home: Aeroponic Setup Design
1. Climate Requirements
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 15–20°C | Crucial for flowering (September–November cycle). |
| Humidity | 45–65% | High humidity causes corm rot—never exceed 70%. |
| Ventilation | Moderate airflow | Use 1–2 exhaust fans + circulating fan. |
| Light | Low (0–200 lux) | Saffron prefers low light until flowering. |
Room size recommendation:
- Small setup: 8×10 ft room
- Medium: 10×12 ft
- Commercial: 300–1000 sq ft insulated room
2. Rack & Tray Layout (Vertical Farming Style)
For indoor saffron farming, the grow tray and rack size matters because saffron bulbs (corms) need good spacing, airflow, and shallow depth. Here is the ideal rack and tray size based on proven indoor/aeroponic saffron setups:
A. Rack Dimensions
- Height: 6–7 ft
- Length: 4 ft
- Depth: 1.5–2 ft
- Shelves: 4–5 levels
B. Tray Size (Aeroponics)
- 40 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm
OR - 60 cm × 40 cm × 15 cm (industrial standard)
Each tray holds 20–35 corms depending on size.
Tray Sizes to Avoid
- Too shallow (<8 cm depth): roots crowd and bulbs dry.
- Too deep (>20 cm depth): wasted space, poor airflow.
- Too wide (>60 cm): difficult light penetration and handling.
3. Aeroponic Hardware Setup (Required components)
- High-pressure misting pump
- 70–100 PSI
- 24×7 duty cycle capable
- Aeroponic nozzles
- Micron size: 30–80 microns
- Non-drip, anti-clog
- Install 2–4 per tray
- PVC piping grid
- ½ inch for main lines
- ¼ inch lines for final mist outlets
- Controller/timer
- For misting cycles
- Digital programmable type
- Nutrient reservoir tank
- Size: 50–100 L for small units
- Material: Food-grade plastic
- With submersible pump + inline filter
- Root chamber trays
- Airtight bottom
- Holes on top lid: 3–4 cm diameter for corm holders
- Corm holders
- Net pots
- Foam collars
OR - Custom laser-cut holes in tray lid
4. Corm Quality and Placement (Very Important)
Crocus sativus is the variety that is cultivated commercially for saffron production. It can grow up to 20 cm in height and is a bulbous perennial plant with globular corms. It is the corm that is planted for saffron cultivation. As, almost all of the indoor saffron production units in India are located outside Jammu and Kashmir, acquiring saffron corms of good quality and size is tricky. Large corms produce more flowers and hence give higher production per unit area. Following points should be considered when placing the corms in the trays-
- 5–7 cm spacing between corms
- The corm sits on top of the tray lid
- Roots should be hanged inside the chamber
- Bulb top must stay dry ALWAYS
2. Prepare the Growing Tray/ Container
For indoor saffron farming, the grow tray size matters because saffron bulbs (corms) need good spacing, airflow, and shallow depth. Here is the ideal tray size based on proven indoor/aeroponic saffron setups:
A. Size
40 cm × 30 cm × 10–15 cm or 16″ × 12″ × 4–6″ ideal size due to various reasons. (A bigger module of 60 cm × 40 cm × 15 cm is industrial standard for vertical saffron farming racks.) This size is optimal because:
- It fits 15–25 corms with proper spacing.
- Easy to stack on racks/shelves.
- Light enough to handle, irrigate, and move.
- Ideal depth for root growth (saffron roots don’t need deep soil).
B. Spacing Inside the Tray
- Corm-to-corm spacing: 5–7 cm
- Depth of medium: 5–8 cm
- Corm top should stay slightly above the medium (if using substrate).
5. Misting Schedule (Critical Aeroponic Cycle)
Stage 1: Pre-rooting (Days 1–7)
- Misting: 8 sec ON / 12 min OFF
- Purpose: Moisten roots but keep bulb dry.
Stage 2: Root Growth (Days 7–20)
- Misting: 8 sec ON / 10 min OFF
Stage 3: Flowering (Day 20–40)
- Misting: 8 sec ON / 15 min OFF
(Saffron prefers drier conditions during bloom.)
Night cycle
- Increase OFF to 20–25 minutes
(Replicates natural dry nights.)
6. Nutrient Solution
During flowering, saffron primarily uses stored nutrients, but roots benefit from mild feeding:
Recommended Nutrients:
- EC: 0.5–0.8
- pH: 6.2–6.8
- Formula:
- 2:1:2 (N:P:K) initially
- 1:2:2 (N:P:K) near flowering
Avoid high nitrogen—causes rot.
7. Lighting Requirements
Saffron doesn’t require much artificial light:
- 0–200 lux (low)
- Use white LED strips if room is completely dark
- 8–10 hours/day
8. Daily Maintenance Checklist
- Check humidity every 4–6 hours
- Ensure nozzle mist is fine (not droplets)
- Ensure no water touches the bulbs
- Remove any rotting corm immediately
- Replace nutrient solution every 5–7 days
9. Yield Expectation
| Corm Size | Expected Flowers | Yield (dry saffron) |
|---|---|---|
| 15–20 g | 1–2 flowers | 5–10 mg |
| 20–25 g | 3–4 flowers | 15–20 mg |
| 30+ g | 4–6 flowers | 20–30 mg |
Indoor aeroponics increases bloom rate by 15–25% compared to soil.
10. Example Small-Room Production
Room 8×10 ft:
- 4 racks
- 20 trays per rack
- ~2400 corms
Expected production:
= 40–60 g dry saffron per cycle
= High-value harvest (₹200,000–₹300,000 per crop)
Indoor Saffron Farming Setup Ideas
1. Low-Cost Home Setup
- 10–20 corms
- 8-inch pots
- Window sunlight
- Minimal care
- Good for beginners
2. Balcony or Indoor Rack Setup
- Multi-layer shelves
- LED grow lights
- 50–100 corms
- Higher harvest
3. Advanced Indoor Grow Room
- Controlled temperature
- Timed LED lighting
- Air circulation fan
- Capacity for 500+ corms
Good for enthusiasts or micro-scale saffron businesses.
How to Harvest Saffron Indoors
Harvesting is the most satisfying part!
Steps:
- Pick flowers early morning
- Gently open the flower
- Remove the 3 red stigmas
- Dry them for 2–3 days in a warm, airy place
- Store in an airtight glass container
Saffron becomes more flavorful after 30 days of curing.
Common Problems & Solutions in Indoor Saffron Farming
1. Corms not sprouting
Cause: Too much moisture or rotten corms
Solution: Use dry soil, reduce watering, buy certified bulbs
2. No flowers
Cause: High temperature, overcrowding
Solution: Maintain 10–18°C, space bulbs properly
3. Fungus or mold
Cause: Poor ventilation
Solution: Add neem powder, keep area dry
4. Corms shrinking
Cause: Overwatering
Solution: Let soil dry between two watering
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can saffron grow in hot climates like India?
Yes. Indoors, you can maintain a cool environment even in hot regions.
2. How many years do saffron bulbs last?
A good corm multiplies into 2–5 new corms yearly, giving harvests for 3–5 years.
3. Does saffron need fertilizer indoors?
Mild compost at planting time is enough. Do not use heavy nitrogen fertilizers.
4. Can I grow saffron from store-bought threads?
No. Saffron threads are dried stigmas, not seeds or bulbs.
5. How long before saffron flowers appear?
Usually 6–10 weeks after planting.
6. What is the RoI of indoor saffron farming?
Within 3 years the investment in the setup and planting material is recovered and the farm starts to make profit.
Conclusion
Indoor saffron farming at home is easy, rewarding, and possible in small spaces. With just a few high-quality corms, good soil, limited watering, and correct temperature control, you can grow your own pure saffron (kesar) even in apartments or warm regions.
Is it possible to cultivate saffron in Ahmednagar district of Maharshtra state with controlled and closed environment?
Possibility and profitability are two different things. Even if you are able to produce saffron in Maharashtra in polyhouse the quality will not be good and the cost of production will be higher compared to natural weather. Hence this will not be a viable business model.
Can we try cultivating saffron in eastern UP, nearby Gorakhpur, for commercial purpose?
Saffron is not a suitable crop for Uttar Pradesh climate. Though there are very few example of people trying saffron farming in Uttar Pradesh but the quality of produced saffron is not the same as Kashmir. You’ll also face marketing problem.
Is this a viable cultivation in rajasthan?
Can we growth saffron in Uttarakahnd, If yes, which place, please tell, Also tell us cost of cultivating suffron in one acre.
Hello sir I wanted to ask that can I grow saffron in Andhra Pradesh, is this good idea and the soil, climate would be suitable for crop or not ?
Please refer the article.
I am interested to grow saffron in Ludhiana, punjab. Please guide me, if possible.
Are there any chances for growing saffron in Gujarat??
Hi Sir,
I’m from Karnataka. Which parts of Karnataka are good to grow saffron?
Thanks and regards.
I live in pakistan umerkot this is part of south sindh I want to grow saffron in our area is it possible? Pl guide me
Is it possible to grow saffron in middle zone of India by hydroponic method? Can it be profitable or not?
Do you want to grow saffron commercially?
Sir,
I am from lower Himachal District Bilaspur.
I am highly interested to grow saffron.
Is there least chance to grow saffron in Lower Himachal?
What’s the minimum and maximum temperature throughout the year in your area?
Minimum -10 and maximum 40
Is it possible to grow saffron hydroponically to whom shall I contract primary consultancy purpose?
Dear Sir, I go through the content. I could not find the address or contact number of saffron bulb supplier. Please get me the address and the price of bulb.
What quantity of saffron bulbs you require?
Sir,
Am looking for all 3 types of saffron bulbs. Am from karnataka. Could you provide the source or supplier contact.
Hi, I just wanted to know if it is possible to grow saffron in Sikkim.
Is it possible to cultivate saffron using hydroponics in Pune.
Does anyone know any saffron bulb suppliers? if so can they please tell me their contact info
We need Technical consultancy to go saffron in Kazakistan. Please inform when you can visit with us to study the possibility.
I am interested to do my own saffron farming in Papua New Guinea.
Kindly assist me to have excess to obtain the bulbs.
Any sizes. with the prices included.
Hi sir interested in cultivating saffron by hydroponicaly at Rajasthan where in summer temperature is extremely hot and in winter it’s come down to 11 to 15 and in some areas even 3 to 5 plz guide me.
We shall contact you once we get started the primary consultancy service.
I am looking for a saffron cultivation farm to establish cooperation.
It is highly appreciated if anyone could direct me to a proper person or company
I want saffron crown supplier contact details.
sir can we grow saffron in karnataka
We shall contact you once we get started the primary consultancy service in saffron farming.
I need to know where I can saffron bulbs a very good quality of himachal or Kashmir
Is it possible to cultivate saffron in Darjeeling Hills?
Dear Sir,
Good Day
Did you manage to start this in Darjeeling, or get any idea reg this for saffron cultivation in Hills.
It is possible to cultivate i Western Uttar pradesh
It is possible to cultivate kesar in Uttrakhand district dehradoon please reply
Hello sir, I am from west up in meerut distinct.
I am interesting to grow saffron for commercial purpose. Please suggest can i start this farming?
Hello sir… Its possible to Start saffron farming by Hydroponics way (indoor/outdoor) in Karnataka Mangalore
It depends on many factors. We shall start primary consultancy on saffron farming shortly. Please check our portal after few days for the same.
Hi Asif,
I also live in Mangalore. Are you tried saffron farming?
I need seeds, land is ready and appropriate for growing saffron.
Hello sir, is Gujarat a suitable place to cultivate saffron for commercial purpose? Around Ahmadabad?
We have cultivated saffron in Haryana, Cheeka just for testing purpose, we need to check the quality of that Saffron, can you help us out in this so that we can cultivate it in Future? Please guide us.
Interested in growing saffron
1) Is my place suitable for it – N.Rampura , Nittur hobli, Gubbi taluk,tumakuru district ,karnataka-572223
2) what is the cost to grow it in 1 acre farm .
I am interested in saffron cultivation in Indore under control environment using poly farm and sprinklers for irrigation.Please advise suitableness and consultancy cost etc.
Thanks
Hukumchand
I am from Maharashtra place Mumbai Dombivali I am cultivating Saffron’s 500 bulbs in 2019 January in home souiless perllite, cocopit,& vermiculite my all bulbs are in flowering stage but bulbs are infected small might. & Plant steam was rottan any herbal pesticide suggest I am trying been powder,being soda,&apple vinegar & ash
1. I am interested in safron cultivation in my apple orchard (8000 ft height) in Manali.
2. I would like to gain complete theoretical knowledge & a feasibility study.
Request advise. Rgds
क्या बिहार के भोजपुरमे केसर का खेती कर. सकता हूँ. उचित सलाह दे.
Can we do saffron cultivation ?, places like Western Ghats …hilly region…like SHIMOGA,Chikkamagaluru,Kodagu….and whre we can get bulbs?
Hlo greetings,
I want to know that can I grow saffron at home just for own purpose..
I m from Lucknow Uttar Pradesh.
Is it useful to grow saffron in this area.
Kindly reply I really wanna know this please it’s a request from my side.
Regards.
Very nice article about saffron farming , one can be proceed to cultivate saffron farming with this information, However, only thing is that availability and price which to pay for planting material is not mentioned. If it will be clearified then many new growers will definitely come forward.
Where can i find some seed,to find out wheather its applicable in Kerala.
Can safron be cultivated in tamilnadu
Where in Himachal Pradesh can we initiate kesar cultivation for commercial use.
Respected sir
I am from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan and to have interest to corp saffron in one bigha as testing. You are requested to provide genuine bulb supplier alongwith price and also valueable suggestions.
With kind regards
Have you started consulting for Hydroponic saffron farming? I am very much interested if you have a working model ready. I am looking for running this project on a pilot basis and then it can be commercialised.
I’m from Sri Lanka . Some districts in our country has suitable climate conditions for growing saffron, but problem is there haven’t single plant of saffron in my country. no one growing saffron in Sri Lanka neither universities in Sri Lanka. So could I get a help from you guys?
can we grow the saffron in the telangana we have high temparature and in winter minimum 10 to 20 degree
At what time can I plant saffron bulbs in South india Karnataka. I am In kodagu coldy place
Sir i am a 18 y.o student from Karnataka
I wanted to produce saffron in small quantity for commercial purpose in our farm
What fertilizers would i need and please provide any contact of the saffron plant bulb supplier…….
Also where can I sell the saffron in small quantity
We successfully cultivated saffron in Jharkhand. There is no boundation. With proper knowledge and take and with right facility anybody can do this.. Go ahead.
Hi Kishore,
I am also from Jharkhand (near Bundu) and interested in saffron cultivation. It would be great if you share your knowledge and experience with me. Looking forward for your kind reply.
Sir,
I am interested in growing saffron in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Need your guidence for indoor saffron cultivation.
Hi Kishore,
I am also from Jharkhand (near Bundu) and interested in saffron cultivation. It would be great if you share your knowledge and experience with me. Looking forward for your kind reply.
Sir,
I am interested in growing saffron in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Need your guidence for indoor saffron cultivation.