Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L)

Safflower is native to Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The plant is grown for its flowers which can be used as a saffron substitute, or as a dye. Today the flower is also grown commercially for its seeds which are used in vegetable oils. Safflower is great to grown in a dry environment because it has a deep tap root that helps it survive dry environments. Each plant produces multiple flowers and the plant will flower for extended periods if it’s happy. Each flower produces 20+ seeds that are the size of a grain of barley. The seeds should be ready to harvest 30-45 days after flowering.

Planting/Harvesting Notes

  • Plant in an area that receives 6-8 hours of full sun each day.

  • Plants will flower more in nutrient poor soil with good drainage.

  • Water at least weekly.

  • Safflower is not likely to overwinter in Ohio, so be sure to allow some blooms to flower to completion and save the seeds for next year.

Seed saving notes

Allow flowers to die back on the plant. Seed heads will form where the base of the flowers were. They are rather large and resemble a grain of barley. Wait until the seeds turn yellow/brown and then collect. Save in a labeled paper envelope.

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