Safflower Seeds - Annual Herbaceous Flower Seeds
Carthamus tinctorius
 
*  Common Names = Safflower / American Saffron / Dyer's Saffron / False Saffron / Hong Hua
*  Herbaceous annual, Flowering
*  Self-seeds prolifically when seedheads are allowed to develop
*  Colorful flowers attract butterflies, bees and beneficial insects
*  Plants are heat-tolerant and drought-tolerant
*  TCM herb - Hong Hua - used in bath/body/hair products, for inflammation, boosting immunity, improving women's issues, and cardio health
*  Used to produce yellow & red dye in Mexico, South America and Spain.
*  Culinary Uses: flower petals are a less expensive replacement for Saffron; seeds can be roasted or pressed into oil; tender shoots are used in salads
 
[ The dried flowers are also available in our shop, when stock is plentiful. ] 
 
Life Cycle:  Annual
Height:  3 ft
Max Width:  12 in
USDA Zone:  3-9
Light:  Full Sun / Partial Sun
Harvest:  120 days

GROWING RECOMMENDATIONS:
1.  Sow seeds 3/4" deep in small pots or flats with moistened seed-starting mix. Spritz with water to settle into soil.
2.  Place in warm indirect sunlight and keep soil moist. Germination should occur in 14-28 days. 
3.  Resize into bigger pots as needed.  After last frost, transplant 4” tall seedlings 10” apart in their permanent location.

*** Harvest after 120 days.