Species Safflower
yellow-orange flowers with green leaves

Safflower

Carthamus tinctorius

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an annual plant of the family Asteraceae, native to the Middle East and eastern regions of India. It has a spiny, branching stem that can reach up to 5 feet in height and its leaves range from 4 to 12 inches in length. Safflower is a highly drought-tolerant plant and produces flowers in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, and white. Its small seeds are edible and traditionally used in cooking, while its flowers are often used to produce a yellow dye. The plant has long been cultivated as a source of oil and its medicinal properties make it a popular herbal remedy.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) should be watered every 2-3 days in the summer and every 4-6 days in colder months. Water in the morning so the water has time to absorb before nightfall. Soil should be kept moist, and not too wet. Water deeply, and avoid leaving any standing water as this might cause rot. When humidity levels are high, it is not necessary to water as often. About 2-3 inches of water is recommended for each watering. If you can, use rainwater or let the tap water sit overnight in a bucket, however tap water should be suitable for most plants.

sunlight

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) needs full sun exposure as it is a hardy, drought resistant plant. It will perform best when grown in direct sunlight for at least 8 hours a day. It will tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can lead to flower and stem growth being reduced. In the northern hemisphere, safflower prefers south or east facing exposure, so plants receive the most sunlight in late afternoon and early morning. In the southern hemisphere, the best exposure is north or west. In general, safflower should receive direct sunlight for 8-10 hours a day as long as daytime temperatures are not too hot.

pruning

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) should be pruned on a regular basis to keep the plant healthy and promote more abundant flowering. Pruning should take place in the early spring, after new growth has emerged, as well as in early summer. To begin, use pruning shears to remove any dead flowers and faded or weak stems that are not producing. Cut back tall stems that are becoming woody and any branches that are crossing over each other. Pruning should be done precisely, so aim to cut back until the plant is 50-60% of its original size. This should be done every 2-3 weeks, and then when the flowers start to fade, cut them back again. This will encourage new blooms to appear for a more vibrant display. Additionally, cut off any seed pods that have formed on the plant to prevent self-sowing. When in doubt, always remember to prune less, rather than more!