Flower induction and development in saffron: Timing and hormone signalling pathways

•Molecular markers for saffron flower induction time have been identified.•Working models for hormone signalling pathways mediating flowering have been proposed.•Corm dormancy release is inhibited by abscisic acid, but induced by auxins.•Flower initiation is promoted by auxins and it may be inhibited by gibberellins.•Enlargement of scape during flower development is induced by gibberellins.