Phenological studies at different stages of crop growth are important to mitigate the ill effects of climate change to which saffron is very much sensitive and to predict the production system modules involving cultural practices and crop protection systems. Study on phenological growth stages of natural temporal sub-populations of Kashmir saffron (Crocus sativus L.) carried over 2 years revealed that the ontogenesis period of saffron with above ground organs is almost similar to period showing no organs above ground. Among ontogenic periods vegetative phase is the longest period (142 days), followed by flower ontogenesis (60 days), dormancy (55 days), reproductive (41 days),bud sprouting phase (36 days) and plant senescence (30 days). Timing of the phenological stage is observed to be closely related to weather parameters particularly air temperatures. Dormant corms show reduced impression of mother corm. No change in the size of the bud (the length of the outermost cataphylls) was observed from the time of corm lifting in early May to late June, some 55 days after leaf senescence. Incubation period of 97 days lead to increase in size of the apex followed by the formation of sprouts with complete flower embedded in whorl of tepals (Gynoecium, stamen, tepals). Initial corm weight has been found responsible for increased number of flowers/spathe, more activation of meristematic regions and greater biomass leading to efficient replacement corm production. The flowering stage starts when the sprout (usually composed of three sheaths) emerges from the soil surface and is influenced by weather parameters. Vegetative stage is most critical as chilling requirement for vernalization is received during 66 days (11^th November to 15^th February). The period is critical for development of replacement corms which largely depends on efficient translocation of photosynthates from source to sink. Phenological growth stage is completed with plant senescence with production of full mature corms showing impression of mother corms. A staging system for development saffron (Crocus sativus L.) that relies on simple, visual, non-destructive criteria was proposed to allow for quick determination of development stage. This system can be used by both farmers and for experimental trials.

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