Zanzibar – Carthamus Seed

New! Sturdy and versatile flowers and foliage.
Sturdy, straight stems and branching flower clusters store well and can be used fresh or dried. Stems are easily air-dried for arrangements. Fresh, dark green foliage and geometric buds add structure to mixed bouquets. Great in combination with sunflowers. This strain is nearly thornless for easy harvest. Tufted thistle-like flowers with oval leaves. Fiery orange-and-gold petals are edible and sometimes used as a substitute for saffron. Also known as safflower. Ht. 18–24". Avg. 700 seeds/oz. Packet: 100 seeds.
DAYS TO GERMINATION:10-14 days at 68-72°F (20-22°C)

SOWING:Direct seed (recommended) – Sow after last frost date. Cover seed lightly. Transplant – Sow into 50-cell plug try or preferred seedling container, 4-5 weeks before last frost date. After germination, 65°F (18°C) is the ideal temperature for seedling development. Harden off and transplant out after danger of frost has passed.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:Sun. Southern growers – provide approximately 30% shade or some afternoon shade.

PLANT HEIGHT:18-24".

PLANT SPACING:6-9".

HARDINESS ZONES:Annual.

HARVEST:Fresh – Cut stems when flowers have begun to open and show color. Stems harvested before color is showing will not open in storage. Dried – Flowers are completely open, air dry.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:Average well-drained soil.

USES:Fresh or dried cut-flower.

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Carthamus tinctorius