Safflower

What you'll need:

Safflower seeds (look for them in seed catalogs or garden centers)

A sunny spot in your garden or large pots (at least 12 inches deep)

Regular garden soil (safflower isn’t picky about soil type but prefers well-draining soil)

Basic fertilizer (a general-purpose one will do)

When to start:

Safflower loves warmth, so it’s best planted in spring once the danger of frost has passed. If you live in a warmer climate, you can sow the seeds directly into the ground anytime between early spring and early summer. In cooler areas, wait until late spring when the soil feels warm.

Choosing the right spot:

Safflower needs plenty of sunlight—aim for a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Whether planting in the ground or a pot, make sure the area is open and not crowded by other plants. Safflower grows tall (up to 3 feet), so give it some space!

Tip: If you're growing safflower for its flowers (which are great for cutting or drying), choose a spot where the vibrant orange or yellow blooms can really stand out.

How to plant safflower seeds:

1. Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil with a small rake or trowel. You don’t need to over-fertilize—just mix in a little compost or general-purpose fertilizer if the soil looks poor.
2. Sow the seeds:
   • Plant seeds about ½ inch deep in the soil.
   • Space the seeds around 6-12 inches apart. This gives each plant enough room to grow without competing for nutrients.
3. Water gently: After sowing, water lightly to settle the soil. Don’t soak it too much; just keep the soil moist.
4. Wait for sprouts: Germination usually takes 7-14 days. Keep an eye on the soil moisture during this time, especially if it’s dry or windy outside.

If using pots:

• Fill the pot with soil and follow the same steps as above. Make sure the pot has drainage holes so water doesn’t sit at the bottom and rot the roots.

Tip: If birds seem interested in the seeds, cover the area with a light netting until the seeds sprout!

Watering:

• Once the plants are established (after the first few weeks), they are pretty drought-tolerant. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Avoid overwatering! Safflower doesn’t like soggy roots.

Feeding:

• Safflower doesn’t need heavy feeding. A light application of fertilizer every 4-6 weeks is enough to keep it healthy.
• Too much fertilizer can lead to lots of leaf growth but fewer flowers.

Sunlight and Temperature:

• Safflower thrives in full sun. Ensure it gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• It handles heat well, but if temperatures get extremely high (above 95°F/35°C), water a bit more often to prevent stress.

Support:

• As the plants grow taller, they may need staking, especially if you’re growing them in a windy area. Use bamboo stakes or any sturdy stick to support them.
• Just tie the main stem loosely to the stake with soft string or fabric.

Pest Control:

• Safflower is mostly pest-resistant, but watch out for aphids or caterpillars. You can spray them off with water or use a natural insecticidal soap if needed.
• Birds might nibble at the seeds or flowers later, so consider netting if this becomes an issue.

Tip: The more you cut the flowers, the more the plant will bloom. So don’t hesitate to harvest some for bouquets!

When to harvest safflower:

• Safflower blooms from mid-summer to early fall. The flowers are ready to harvest when they fully open and show their bright orange or yellow petals.
• If you're growing safflower for its seeds (used for oil), wait until the flower heads turn brown and dry on the plant, which usually happens in late summer or early fall.

How to harvest:

• For flowers: Cut the blooms when they’re fully open. They make beautiful dried flowers if hung upside down in a cool, dry place.
• For seeds: Once the flower heads are dry and brown, snip them off and shake the seeds loose. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.

Storage tips:

• Fresh flowers can be used immediately in arrangements or dried for crafts.
• Seeds should be stored in airtight containers away from moisture. They can be used for cooking oil or replanting next season.

Tip: If you want continuous blooms, deadhead old flowers regularly to encourage new ones.

Q: Can I grow safflower indoors?

A: Safflower needs full sun and plenty of space to grow tall, so it’s not ideal for indoor growing unless you have a very sunny room with high ceilings. Even then, results may vary.

Q: Is safflower invasive?

A: No, safflower is not considered invasive. However, it does self-seed easily, so if you don’t want volunteers popping up next year, remove spent flowers before they drop seeds.

Q: Why are my safflower leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Let the soil dry out between waterings and ensure your pot or garden bed drains well. If you’ve ruled out water issues, it could be a lack of nutrients—try feeding the plant lightly.

Q: Can I use safflower flowers in cooking?

A: Yes! While not the same as true saffron, safflower petals can be used as a cheaper alternative for coloring dishes like rice or soups. They don’t have as strong a flavor but add a nice golden hue.

Q: Do deer eat safflower?

A: Safflower is somewhat deer-resistant because of its thorny stems, but hungry deer might still nibble on it. If deer are a problem in your area, consider adding fencing or repellents.