Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Carthamus tinctorius or Safflower

The genus Carthamus, family Asteraceae, includes about 50 species of herbaceous plants and shrubs native to Eurasia. Some species are: Carthamus tinctorius, Carthamus arborescens, Carthamus lanatus, Carthamus leucocaulos, Carthamus glaucus.

Common name: Safflower. This species is native to the Middle East.

They are herbaceous plants that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height. The lanceolate, ovate or ovate-oblong leaves are dark green with yellowish spines on the margins. The showy flowers are yellow, orange or red. They bloom in summer.

Safflower is often used as annual plants in borders and borders. It's very interesting as a cut flower to make floral decorations. The oil extracted from these plants has medicinal properties. The flowers are used in cooking as a coloring similar to saffron.

Carthamus tinctorius needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. Withstands occasional and light frosts.

Safflower grows in any soil that has good drainage.

Carthamus tinctorius resists drought well, so it is recommended to water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry out.

Safflower does not need fertilizer.

Prune faded flowers after blooming.

Carthamus tinctorius is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excessive humidity.

Safflower is propagated from seeds sown in spring.

Images of the plant Carthamus tinctorius or Safflower