Hypothesis on the relation between meteorological data and flowering peaks in saffron (Crocus sativus L.) crop

In a trial carried out in 2004 in inner Sicily (southern Italy), we explored saffron plants to find a relation between flowering peaks and meteorological data. Temperature and rainfall of the experimental site were recorded throughout the experimental period, as well as daily flower number and total stigma weight. Flowering lasted 24 days from November 2 to 25. Two main production peaks were detected. In both cases, this synchrony in flowering was achieved just after a considerable decrease of the minimum temperature that reached values lower than 5°C. Interesting relations between daily flowering peaks and temperature trend have been hypothesized.