Carthamus tinctorius Orange Grenade

Description

Safflower

The thistle-like Safflower is suitable for cutting and drying. This plant has prickly leaves. Safflower cannot be transplanted.  The Carthamus flower is often used for dried arrangements as is considered to be everlasting. Plant orange Safflowers on banks and slopes, beds and borders, containers, cottages gardens, and many other applications. Traditionally Carthamus Safflower was grown from herb seeds for its flower used in coloring and flavoring food, making dyes for silk or wool, and in medicine. The Carthamus herb makes a good replacement for expensive saffron.

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or sow directly from April. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost. Just cover it with a sprinkling of soil. Ideal temp. 13-18°C. Germination takes 12-18 days approx. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle 8cm pots and grow on. Acclimatize and plant out after the danger of frost has passed. Directly sow 1mm deep into prepared soil which has been raked to a fine tilth with 30cm spacing. Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Full sun is preferred for the best flowering. Drought-tolerant but moist soil will offer improved flowering.