The response of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) to fertilizer inputs varies markedly with soil properties, climatic conditions, corm vigor, and field-management practices. This variability is particularly pronounced in calcareous, low-organic-matter soils of arid and semi-arid regions, where the optimal type, rate, timing, and combination of fertilizer inputs remain insufficiently defined. This review comparatively evaluates the effects of chemical, organic, bio-fertilizers, integrated nutrient management (INM), and nano-fertilizers on saffron growth, yield, stigma quality, and production sustainability. Evidence indicates that balanced application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers can improve corm traits, flower production, and stigma yield; however, excessive or unbalanced use may reduce nutrient-use efficiency and adversely affect soil health. Organic and bio-fertilizers can improve soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, enhance nutrient availability, and contribute to yield and quality improvement, although their effects depend on amendment characteristics, soil conditions, climate, and management. Overall, the available evidence suggests that INM, through the complementary use of chemical, organic, and biological inputs, can improve nutrient-use efficiency, maintain soil fertility, and support sustainable saffron production more effectively than sole fertilizer application. Nano-fertilizers also show potential to enhance nutrient efficiency, but evidence regarding their optimum rates, field performance, and long-term environmental implications in saffron cultivation remains limited. Therefore, saffron fertilizer programs should be developed on a site-specific basis using soil-test results, corm status, climatic conditions, and production objectives. Further long-term field studies are needed to optimize integrated nutrient strategies and evaluate their economic and environmental outcomes.