Zanzibar, Carthamus Seeds

Zanzibar Safflower Seed

Structured buds and dark foliage elevate mixed bouquets
Safflower combines especially well with cut sunflowers
Sturdy stems work fresh or dried
Adaptable plants tolerate relatively lean soils

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Carthamus tinctorius

Days to maturity

70 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

100 Seeds

About Zanzibar, Safflower Seed, Safflower Seed

A beautiful flower that can be used for fresh or dry cut-flower arrangements. Beautiful dark green foliage and symmetric buds add structure to mixed bouquets. Combines very well with sunflower cuts. Also known as safflower.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

7–14 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

12-18"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

24 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

875

Color

Green

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Safflower grows best in a full-sun, warm site with fertile, well-drained soil and good air circulation. Incorporate compost and adjust nutrients and pH according to a soil test, avoiding excessive nitrogen. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed; harden transplants and install supports before planting when the crop requires them.

Planting

Direct sow safflower in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, about 1/2–1 inch deep. Thin plants to 6–12 inches apart. Keep the firm seedbed evenly moist until emergence, then reduce irrigation as the taproot develops.

Watering

Water safflower regularly during establishment, then according to soil dryness and weather. Apply water deeply at the root zone, allowing excess moisture to drain and avoiding prolonged saturation.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced fertilizer to safflower during active growth according to soil-test and label recommendations. Feed lightly rather than frequently, and avoid high nitrogen that encourages weak growth.

Harvesting

For petals, pick newly opened safflower heads after dew dries and remove the colored florets for immediate use or drying. For seed, wait until most plants and heads turn brown and seeds rub free easily. Harvest promptly in dry weather, then dry seed thoroughly before storage.

Tips

Observe safflower regularly and address support, weeds, and crowding before they become difficult. Remove damaged growth with clean tools and retain selected seed only when reseeding is desired.

Pests & Diseases

Alternaria leaf spot, rust, Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora root rot, and head rot affect safflower. Plant certified seed, rotate away from safflower and related hosts, and avoid dense stands or poorly drained fields. Do not retain seed from discolored, moldy heads or plants that wilted prematurely.

In safflower, watch for armyworms and cutworms near the soil, aphids on tender growth, grasshoppers, wireworms, and feeding birds. Inspect edges first, rotate crops, and cover small seed-producing plots when needed.