Oatmeal Farm Network | Saffron Crocus Varietals

Varietal Name	Description	Soil Texture	pH Range	Organic Matter	Salinity Level	Hardiness Zone	Humidity	Water (in/wk)	Primary Nutrient
Afghan Saffron	A rising competitor in quality to Persian saffron, grown in Afghanistan with a deep red color and strong, rich aroma.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Azerbaijani Saffron	Cultivated in the Absheron Peninsula, Azerbaijan, this variety is known for its subtle aroma and bright color.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Common Saffron Crocus	The standard variety of Crocus sativus, grown for its stigmas which are harvested to produce the spice saffron.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	N/A	7A	N/A	N/A	Nitrogen (N)
Coupe	An Iranian strain of saffron crocus, known for producing the highest grade of saffron. The stigmas are intensely colored and have a strong aroma and flavor.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	N/A	7A	N/A	N/A	Nitrogen (N)
Greek Saffron	Also known as Krokos Kozanis, cultivated in Greece, it has a rich color and distinct earthy flavor, often used in European cuisine.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Italian Saffron	A rare variety known for its balanced flavor and color, grown in Abruzzo and Sardinia regions of Italy.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Kashmiri Mongra	An Indian strain of saffron from Kashmir, known for its dark red, long, and thick stigmas. It is one of the most expensive and highly sought-after varieties.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	< 2	7A	N/A	N/A	Nitrogen (N)
Krokos Kozanis	A Greek strain of saffron, also a PDO product, highly regarded for its distinctive aroma, dark red threads, and superior coloring ability.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	< 2	7A	N/A	N/A	Nitrogen (N)
Mancha	A high-quality Spanish strain of saffron crocus known for its long, crimson stigmas and rich aroma.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	< 2	7A	N/A	N/A	Nitrogen (N)
Moroccan Saffron	Produced in the Taliouine region of Morocco, known for its unique floral aroma and bright red stigmas.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Nepalese Saffron	A lesser-known variety from Nepal, valued for its strong color and slightly floral aroma.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Persian Saffron	Grown in Iran, this variety is renowned for its vivid color, potent aroma, and high saffronal content, often considered the highest quality globally.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Spanish Saffron	Often milder than other varieties, with a distinct aroma and slightly sweet flavor, commonly used in Spanish and Mediterranean dishes.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Taliouine	A high-quality Moroccan strain of saffron, valued for its powerful aroma, bright red color, and distinct flavor profile.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	N/A	7A	N/A	N/A	Nitrogen (N)
Turkish Saffron	Grown in the Safranbolu region, it is a unique variety with a slightly lighter color and delicate flavor, used in Turkish dishes.	Loamy Soil	7.4 - 7.8	Low (1% - 2%)	N/A	11A	N/A	N/A	Potassium (K)
Zafferano dell'Aquila	An Italian strain of saffron protected by a PDO, known for its very high quality and intense flavor profile.	Sandy Soil	< 5.0	Very Low (< 1%)	< 2	7A	N/A	N/A	Nitrogen (N)