Safflower is a highly branched, herbaceous, thistle-like annual broadleaf plant, commercially cultivated for vegetable oil and birdseed
It grows a deep taproot which enables it to thrive in marginal environments, as well as having a “Bio-cultivation” effect as its taproot penetrates hardpans and compact soils
Sowing rate of 20kg/ha
Safflower can be planted from April to September. The earlier it is sown the more time the plant has to develop a larger rosette and more branching growth, which is important for yield
Safflower is often grown later in a winter sowing program, as an option to utilise soil moisture leading into spring, and when the yield penalty for sowing a winter cereal is high
Safflower’s flowering period is influenced by increasing day length and is generally 4-6 weeks later maturing than wheat
