Carthamus (Safflower) - Key Growing Information

Carthamus flowers, also known as safflower.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

10-14 days at 68-72°F (20-22°C)

SOWING:

Direct seed (recommended) - Sow after danger of frost. Cover seed lightly. Note: After germination, 65°F (18°C) is the ideal temperature for seedling development. Transplant - Sow into 50-cell plug tray, or preferred seedling container, 4-5 weeks before planting out. Harden off and transplant out after danger of frost.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun. Southern growers - provide approximately 30% shade or some afternoon shade.

PLANT HEIGHT:

18-24".

PLANT SPACING:

6-9".

HARDINESS ZONES:

Annual.

HARVEST:

Fresh - Cut stems when flowers have begun to open and show color. Stems harvested before color is showing will not open in storage. Dried - Flowers are completely open, air dry.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Average well-drained soil.

USES:

Fresh or dried cut-flower.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Carthamus tinctorius