Page 8 - Landscape SA 101

FEATURE

The Saffricon team, from left: Martiens Ruiters, William Klaaste, Bennie
Engelbrecht, founder and director of Saffricon, Nicol Ruiters other crops require between 500-800 mm
per season. Liebenberg adds that saffron
can be grown in almost any environment,
in conditions that are traditionally not
ideal for most kinds of agriculture. The
Northern Cape is well suited to the
cultivation of saffron because the plant
is frost-resistant, protected from adverse
weather such as hail, and because the
corms are underground.
According to Engelbrecht, the saffron
grown by Saffricon has a distinctive flavour
and aroma, which is proof of the quality
they are achieving. He foresees solid
growth prospects for the international
market, mainly because world demand far
exceeds supply. LSA
Acknowledgement

The following sources and websites are
acknowledged for the information used in
this article:
initial capital outlay is manageable, relatively as is the case with many other crops as the www.saffricon.co.za
little space is required and Saffricon will above-ground plant growth and eventual www.laeveld.co.za/saffron
assist with training to bring new farmers up harvesting of the flowers happens quite www.sativus.com/en/saffron
to speed,” explains Liebenberg. quickly after the corm has been planted. www.seedsforafrica.co.za/crocus-
sativus-saffron
The outgrower/contract grower system Saffron farming is also ideally suited to wikipedia
will uplift rural communities and help the South African climate as it requires Healthyish by Andy Baraghani
them to provide for their basic necessities, much less water compared to many of the
as well as establish their own businesses large traditional crops. Saffron is a winter
with good growth possibilities. The farmer crop grown from March to October and Photos supplied courtesy of
does not have to wait long for his return, needing 250-300 mm of water per season; Saffricon

ROOT HEALTH PROGRAMME

Plant nutrition begins with healthy soil – a living ecosystem on which we all depend. Planting (usually)
only occurs once… Ensure that you give each plant the best possible chance of success, by enriching the
soil and supplying the nutrients required to trigger growth.

SOIL FOOD EARLY GROWTH NUTRITION BENEFICIAL FUNGI

HumiGro, StartGro & Root Pro can be combined and applied together at planting. Drench, plant and water in.
www.ecobuz.co.za

6 Landscape SA • Issue 101 2021