Safflower Cultivation

Safflower Soil Conditions

• Safflower seeds grow best in moist, rich soil that drains well. Prepare the soil in early spring as soon as the ground thaws and starts to dry out. Till the planting area to loosen the soil. Safflower seeds germinate when the soil temperature reaches 40 degrees F or above. Plant safflower seeds as soon as the soil warms to seed germination temperature in spring. The plants require a four- to five-month frost-free growing season to produce a seed crop.

Planting Safflower

• Plant safflower seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep. Use a regular grain drill to plant safflower seeds in a field or large garden area. Plant safflower in rows 6 to 12 inches apart or spread the seeds evenly over the entire area. Grain drills range in size from large commercial machines that require a tractor to small machines that you push by hand. In the flower garden, plant safflower seeds by hand. Make holes 1 to 2 inches deep with your index finger and drop one seed in each hole.

Climate and Growing Conditions

• Safflower crops tend to develop rot and fungal disease if there is too much rain. For cultivation, an area that gets 15 to 25 inches of rain a year is ideal. Planting safflower seeds early in the spring coincides with the spring rains keeping the seeds adequately damp during germination. Safflower plants have deep roots and do not require additional water except in very dry conditions. Safflower requires full bright sun to grow and develop a good seed crop.

Harvesting Safflower Seeds and Petals

• Harvest safflower in the fall when the plants begin to turn brown. Hand-harvest by removing the seed heads and shaking the seeds into a bag, or use a seed harvester. For small areas, a hand-held seed harvester is suitable. Harvest safflower petals when the flowers are fully open. Pick the flower head from the plant and pull off the petals. Safflower petals are edible and are used to add color to cooked soups or for tea.