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The freshly formed replacement corms of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) had no chilling requirements, but sprouting only occurred after a period of after-ripening. Sprouting could be accelerated by a short curing at 30 ºC. Shoot growth occurred at any temperature between 1 and 30 ºC. The optimal temperature for shoot growth (23-25 ºC) proved also optimal for flower initiation. No flower primordia were present in the resting buds. Flower organogenesis occurred during the early summer growth. The optimal temperature for flower emergence (17 ºC) was markedly lower than for organogenesis. The differences in air temperature explain the different calendar time for saffron flower initiation in different locations. Water availability plays a minor role, if any, on flower formation. Storing the corms at an appropriate temperature will allow to control and extend the period of saffron flowering.

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