This variety of safflower, orange, is an annual and features orange thistle like flower heads. This variety has hardly any prickles. Safflower is used for dried arrangements and its bloom is everlasting. Great in any flower arrangement, fresh or dried.
The plant is widely cultivated for edible oil, which is extracted from the seeds. It contains triglycerides of the doubly unsaturated linoleic acid (70%) and the triply unsaturated linolenic acid (10%); the latter is, together with the comparatively high content of vitamin E, responsible for the good reputation of safflower oil.
Sow directly onto soil. Grows to 3 feet high. Matures seed in short season areas. Tolerates drought well. Poultry love the seed heads that produce abundant sunflower like seeds, and will darken the yolk, much like marigolds.
It is adapted to very dry conditions, and will bloom the first season. There can be reseeding but it is best to save seeds for the following year.
