Grow safflower in full sun and soil that drains. It is also sold as false saffron. It is not a saffron crocus.
Give it full sun and soil that drains
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun all day | Do not grow it in shade |
| Water | Keep the soil moist until the seed sprouts, then water only in a long dry spell | Do not keep the soil soggy |
| Soil | Loam or sand that drains, deep enough for a taproot | Do not plant it in a wet low spot |
| Season | A hot, open bed through summer | Do not grow it where summers stay cool and wet |
Safflower wants a hot, open bed and soil that drains. A long taproot reaches water after the plant is up, so wet ground is the primary cause of root rot. Cool, humid weather brings leaf spot and wilt, so leave space around the stems. [1] safflower is Carthamus tinctorius, a summer annual with thistle-like orange or yellow heads. Give it sun and average soil that drains. [2] [3] It does not tolerate standing water. [4] Sow after frost on Planting Safflower. Cut stems and save seed on Harvesting Safflower.
How much sun does safflower need?
Give it full sun all day. Shade makes weak stems and fewer flowers.
How often do I water safflower?
Keep the soil moist until the seed sprouts. After that, water only in a long dry spell. Soggy soil is the primary cause of root rot.
Does safflower come back every year?
No. It is a summer annual. The plant dies with frost. It may drop seed, but do not count on a stand coming back.
Not saffron — and not only a bag of birdseed
Saffron is the red stigmas of a fall-blooming crocus. If the tag says saffron crocus, or you bought a small bulb, read How to Grow Crocus.
A bag of safflower birdseed is the seed of this annual, not a second plant. Seedlings under a feeder are the same thistle. They rarely last more than one summer. Saffron thistle in a pasture is a different species, with deeply lobed leaves — not this garden annual.
Is safflower the same as saffron?
No. Safflower is a summer annual thistle. Saffron is the red stigmas of a crocus bulb.
If the bed stays wet or shaded, move the next sowing to a hot, draining spot before frost.
FAQ
Is there more than one kind of safflower?
Carthamus tinctorius is the plant here. Spineless plants sold for cutting want the same sun, drainage, and after-frost sowing.
Can I grow it in a pot?
A deep pot with a hole can hold one plant outdoors in full sun. The taproot wants depth, and a small pot dries unevenly. This is not a good pot plant.
Can I grow it indoors as a houseplant?
No. Keep it outdoors in full sun. A dim room will not make flowers.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] Illinois Wildflowers -
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/safflower.html - [2] Johnny's Selected Seeds -
https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/carthamus/carthamus-key-growing-information.html - [3] Grand Prismatic Seed -
https://www.grandprismaticseed.com/blog/2025/5/15/safflower-growing-dyeing-and-seed-saving - [4] Utah State University Extension -
https://extension.usu.edu/crops/research/safflower-in-utah
This note is part of Carthamus Guides.
More first-season notes by plant are gathered in How to Grow Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors