Carthamus (Safflower) - Key Growing Information
SOWING: Direct seed (recommended) - Sow after last frost date. Cover seed lightly. Transplant - Sow into 50-cell plug try or preferred seedling container, 4-5 weeks before last frost date. After germination, 65°F (18°C) is the ideal temperature for seedling development. Harden off and transplant out after danger of frost has passed.
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