A History of Agriculture in India v2.c75.s5.1

v2.c75.s5.1

Saffron was cultivated in Kashmir. The ground was carefully prepared before planting the seed in March or April. At the close of September the plants reached their full growth. The saffron plant was about a quarter of a yard (22.8 cm) in height. The flower is on the top of the stalk, and consists of six petals and six stamens. Three of the six petals have a fresh lilac colour, and stand round about the remaining three petals. The stamens are similarly placed, three of a yellow colour standing round about the other three, which are red. The latter yield the saffron. The plants yielded flowers for six years continuously.