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Can I grow saffron crocus in Zambia?

Can you grow saffron crocus (crocus sativa) in Zambia? I know it has been grown in Egypt for thousands of years.

Zambia is in the tropics, although it’s climate is moderated by it’s altitude (about 1500 meters above sea level).

Would there be any problems in getting them to flower due to an absence of a clear winter or clear distinction between seasons? There is no difference in daylight time, altough the three seasons are warm/wet, warm/dry, moderate.

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Answer #1

Hi,

The saffron crocus thrives in climates similar to that of the Mediterranean maquis or the North American chaparral, where hot, dry summer breezes blow across arid and semi-arid lands.

If not grown in wet environments like Kashmir (where rainfall averages 1000–1500 mm annually), irrigation is needed—this is true in the saffron-growing regions of Greece and Spain.

Answer #2

Thanks, that was very helpful indeed. :)

Being in the tropics, I am a little concered about the latitude, and whether this would be influential on (not) triggering flowering or any other phase of the plant’s growth.

Lattitude and longitude are: at 15°25′S, 28°17′E Altitude is about 1250 meters above sea level.

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