Safflower | Koosumbha | Hoang-tchi
Carthamus tinctorius
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Pl. E061 — Carthamus tinctorius
Carthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctoriusCarthamus tinctorius
IOverview
Overview
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an annual forb or herb native to Iran and Turkey. Known for its versatile uses, safflower is both edible and ornamental, with distinctive golden-yellow flowers that add a splash of color to gardens. The plant thrives in light and medium soils, preferring conditions that are dry to moist. It grows up to 1 meter tall and is commonly cultivated for its edible shoots and the production of vegetable oil from its seeds. Safflower's adaptability makes it suitable for cultivation in various environments, particularly where soil pH ranges between 7 and 7.5.
Quick answers
What is Safflower | Koosumbha | Hoang-tchi?
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an annual forb or herb native to Iran and Turkey. Known for its versatile uses, safflower is both edible and ornamental, with distinctive golden-yellow flowers that add a splash of color to gardens.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Safflower prefers full sun and is hardy in temperate regions. It thrives in well-drained, light to medium soil with a pH of 7-7.5. The plant requires dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 1 meter tall. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost; annuals do not require division or transplanting. Harvest edible shoots when young for use in cooking.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Safflower | Koosumbha | Hoang-tchi for the first time
8steps
Start with safflower for its easy care and vibrant blooms, perfect for a beginner gardener.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, compost, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep, spaced 20-30 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, 6-8 hours daily. Water deeply once a week, adjusting based on rainfall. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems to maintain plant health. Cut back after flowering for a tidier appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Shoots
Edible uses: The safflower's shoots are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared in salads or steamed as a side dish. The plant is native to Iran and Turkey and thrives in light to medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it suitable for cultivation in similar conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)RussiaSpain
Asia6 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
introduced (4)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndia
Americas1 region
introduced (1)El Salvador
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)EritreaEthiopia
Broader regions
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Argentina South, Arizona, Chile North, Borneo, British Columbia, California, Chile Central, Baltic States, Chile South, Colorado, East Aegean Is., East Himalaya, Gulf States, Hainan, Argentina Northwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e061ed45-50ca-4dce-827c-843dc96e4b79
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