Carthamus Species, American Saffron, Dyer's Saffron, False Saffron, Safflower
Carthamustinctorius

Family: Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Carthamus (KAR-tha-mus)
Species: tinctorius (tink-TOR-ee-us)

Synonym:Centaurea carthamus

Category
Annuals

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous

Foliage Color

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
Not Applicable

Where to Grow

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Gold (yellow-orange)

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored