Safflower

Safflower Care

Carthamus Tinctorius

What is the plant

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is predominantly grown for its oils which are not only heart healthy and used in foods, but also in a variety of other products. Safflower’s growing requirements are uniquely suited for arid regions. Farmers can often be found growing safflower between crops of winter wheat. The following article contains safflower information on how to grow and care for safflower plants.

It's considered invasive in Illinois.

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Humidity

Normal

Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

5 - 10

Difficulty

Easy

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Economical watering is required for growing safflower as it tends to develop rot and fungal diseases due to excess watering. When you water also take care not to wet the foliage as it can promote diseases.
Fertilizer
It needs high in nitrogen fertilizer. However, it is best to get your soil tested before applying fertilizer.
Sunlight
Safflower needs warm and dry location to grow. Plant it on the sunniest location of your garden facing south or west. You can also grow it on sloping areas.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Soil must be deep, well drained and loamy. Amend your soil before planting if it is heavy and clay rich. If your soil is sandy, mix peat moss and compost to it. Safflower has less requirements regarding the pH, it prefers neutral soil.
Temperature
It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 32°c, but can tolerate 5 - 45°c
Additional
Avoid during pregnancy. Use with caution if suppressed or decreased immunity.
Safflower petals are edible and are used to add color to food. Harvest the safflower petals when the flowers are fully open. Either remove the whole flower or pick off the petals.