Close up of Dark Orange-Red Safflower on a white background.
Close-up Dark Orange-Red Safflower growing in garden
Dark Orange-Red Safflower with pollinator butterflies
Four Dark Orange-Red Safflower blooms on wooden table
Safflower Seeds, Dark Orange-Red
Close up of Dark Orange-Red Safflower on a white background.
Close-up Dark Orange-Red Safflower growing in garden
Dark Orange-Red Safflower with pollinator butterflies
Four Dark Orange-Red Safflower blooms on wooden table
Safflower Seeds, Dark Orange-Red

Safflower Seeds,
Dark Orange-Red

4.47 ReviewsSKU: #HB254Min. seed count: 50
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Description

Fantastic deep orange petals make an excellent saffron substitute. This uncanny similarity to saffron is responsible for safflower’s nickname as “poor man’s saffron.” Not only useful in the kitchen, Dark Orange-Red is a gorgeous ornamental that is a well-disguised garden tool. The stiff, almost prickly, plants, have been used for centuries as natural fencing to keep animals out of the garden.

Growing Tips: Once established, prefers somewhat dry conditions. Needs excellent drainage in high-summer rainfall climates.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Carthamus tinctorius
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–14
Days to Maturity
90–120
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
6–10 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–70°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Dark Orange-Red takes 90-120 days to mature. Direct sow it where it is to grow after the last frost date, as its deep taproot resents transplanting; if you must start it indoors, use deep cells no more than 3-4 weeks ahead and set it out before it is rootbound. Plant the seed 1/4 inch deep and keep it moist until it germinates, which takes 7-14 days at an ideal temperature of 60-70 F. The plants are not frost hardy.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.
  • Start seeds 8-10 weeks before last frost date or sow directly outdoors after the last frost date.
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 60-70 F.
  • Keep seeds moist until germinated.

How to Grow

  • Plants prefer full sun and are very drought tolerant.
  • Provide well-drained soil.
  • Space plants 6-10 inches apart.
  • Deadhead to encourage continued blooming.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Generally pest free, it is sometimes prone to rots and fungus if planted in poorly drained, excessively soggy soil or if humidity remains too high.

How to Save Seeds

  • Allow flowers to fade and large, pointy seed pods to form.
  • Seed pods will turn brown and dry.
  • Wearing gloves, carefully pry seeds free from pods and store in a cool, dry, dark location until spring.

FAQ

Is Dark Orange-Red really a substitute for saffron?

Its fantastic deep orange petals make an excellent saffron substitute, and that uncanny similarity is why safflower earned the nickname “poor man’s saffron.” Safflower was originally grown as a dye plant to impart a bold golden yellow color to food and textiles, and the flower petals are edible.

Why are the Dark Orange-Red plants so prickly, and how far apart should they go?

The stiff, almost prickly plants have been used for centuries as natural fencing to keep animals out of the garden. Space them 6-10 inches apart in full sun, and deadhead to encourage continued blooming.

How much water does it need?

Safflower prefers full sun and is very drought tolerant, and once established it prefers somewhat dry conditions. Give it well-drained soil, since it is sometimes prone to rots and fungus if planted in poorly drained, excessively soggy soil or if humidity remains too high.

Customer reviews

4.4 / 5 7 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Easy direct sow: Every seed came up in the garden bed with no fussing.

  • Slow start, big finish: Some start slowly, then take off to about 3 feet tall.

  • Edible petals: Dried petals go into teas and rice as a saffron stand-in.

  • Pollinator magnet: Pollinators flock to the blooms.

  • Heads up: Petals carry sharp spines; wear gloves to harvest.

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