Safflower Flower Seeds Packet

$2.35

2025 Seed Prices

  • Order 1-95 assorted packets for $2.35 each
  • Order 96-499 assorted packets for $1.85 each
  • Order 500 or more assorted packets for $1.65 each

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a versatile, thistle-like annual plant known for its bright yellow, orange, and red flowers. It has been cultivated for centuries for its oil-rich seeds, vibrant dyes, and medicinal properties. Adaptable and drought-resistant, safflower is an excellent choice for arid regions and sustainable farming. Safflower is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant with multiple uses in agriculture, health, and home gardening. Its bright blooms, valuable seeds, and ability to thrive in poor soils make it an excellent addition to gardens and farms.

SKU: SESAFF
Barcode: 843458152484

Product Detail

Order in multiples of: 12

  • Year Designed: 2024
Quick Seed Overview
  • Plant Type: Annual
  • Genus: Carthamus
  • Species: Tinctorius
  • Plant Height/Width: 18-24"
  • Exposure: Full sun
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Attributes: Attract Pollinators

Why Shido Seeds Are the Best

Our flower and vegetable seeds are beautifully packaged little packets of magic. Guaranteed to turn your garden into the envy of the neighborhood. Get your hands dirty and let nature simply do its thing.

How to Plant Safflower from Seed

When to Plant Seeds

  • Direct sow in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed.
  • In warmer climates, plant in late winter or early fall for an earlier bloom.

Preparing the Planting Site

  1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil.
  2. Remove weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches.
  3. Mix in organic compost or aged manure for added fertility.

Sowing Seeds Outdoors

  1. Sow seeds ½ to 1 inch deep and 6-8 inches apart.
  2. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
  3. Expect germination within 7-14 days, depending on temperature and moisture levels.
  4. Thin seedlings to 12-18 inches apart once they reach 2-3 inches tall.

Caring for Young Plants

  • Water moderately until seedlings establish strong roots.
  • Protect young plants from pests like birds and rodents, which may eat seedlings.

Pro Tip

Direct-sow seeds, as it doesn’t transplant well, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Bonus: The vibrant orange blooms attract pollinators, and the seeds are loved by birds!

Getting to know your Safflower

Safflower is a drought-resistant annual plant grown for its oil-rich seeds and vibrant orange, yellow, or red flowers. It thrives in hot, dry climates and well-drained soil. The plant reaches 3-4 feet in height and has spiny, thistle-like leaves. Safflower is cultivated primarily for its seeds, which produce a healthy, light-colored oil used in cooking and cosmetics. The flowers are also used as a natural dye. Safflower is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance crop. It requires full sun and minimal watering once established.

What it's used for

1. Oil Production:

  • Safflower seeds yield high-quality, unsaturated oil, used in cooking, cosmetics, and industrial applications.
  • Oil is a healthier alternative to traditional vegetable oils.

2. Natural Dye:

  • Historically used as a source of red and yellow dyes for textiles and food coloring.

3. Medicinal Uses:

  • Traditional medicine values safflower for anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
  • Used in herbal teas and supplements to promote blood circulation.

4. Animal Feed & Birdseed:

  • Safflower seeds are a popular ingredient in birdseed blends, as many birds favor them over sunflower seeds.
  • Used in livestock feed for its protein-rich content.

5. Soil Improvement & Companion Planting:

  • Safflower’s deep taproot aerates soil and improves nutrient availability.
  • Helps suppress weeds when grown in fields or gardens.
Growth Requirements

Light:

  • Prefers full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil:

  • Thrives in well-drained, loamy, or sandy soils.
  • Tolerates poor, alkaline, and drought-prone soils, making it low-maintenance.

Watering:

  • Requires moderate watering during germination and early growth.
  • Once established, it becomes highly drought-tolerant.
  • Avoid excessive watering, as soggy soil can cause root rot.

Temperature & Climate:

  • Grows best in warm, dry climates with temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C).
  • Sensitive to frost; plant after the last frost date.

Fertilization:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer before planting.
  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to excess foliage and fewer flowers.
Maintenance

Watering:

  • Keep soil moist during early growth.
  • Once mature, water only during extended dry periods.

Mulching:

  • Apply a thin layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Weeding:

  • Regularly remove competing weeds, especially during early growth.

Staking:

  • Taller varieties may need support in windy areas.

Fertilization:

  • Avoid over-fertilizing, which may lead to more leaves and fewer flowers.
Pests and Diseases

Pests:

  • Aphids & Thrips – Control with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
  • Birds & Rodents – Use netting or row covers to protect young plants.

Diseases:

  • Root Rot – Prevent by ensuring well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering.
  • Rust & Powdery Mildew – Maintain good air circulation and apply fungicidal sprays if needed.

Growing Together with Shido

At Shido, everything we do starts with one goal: helping you have a truly successful growing experience. We know that planting seeds is just the beginning — your time, energy, and love for gardening are the real magic. That’s why we make sure the seeds you plant are fresh, full of life, and top-quality. When you choose Shido, you’re planting with confidence. We guarantee it.

Our mission is simple: bring you exceptional varieties of high-quality seeds at prices you’ll love, share detailed sowing and growing tips so you can thrive as a home gardener, and deliver the best customer service in the industry — with a smile.

Our Seed Safety Promise

We do not sell genetically modified seeds — ever. And we don’t use genetic engineering to breed new varieties. Instead, our skilled breeders use traditional, natural crossing methods to create hybrid seeds that are healthy, safe, and packed with potential.

Our Seed Quality Guarantee

At Shido, we believe great gardens start with great seeds — and that means quality comes first. Every seed lot we offer is ensure to generate top-notch germination because your garden deserves nothing less.

To keep our seeds at their peak, we run thorough pathology tests at trusted outside labs. When you open a Shido seed packet, you can trust it’s been nurtured, tested, and approved to give you strong, healthy plants from the very first sprout.

Types of Seeds We Offer

Hybrid Seeds (F1)

F1 hybrid seeds are the garden’s high achievers — created by crossing two specially chosen parent plants for superior vigor, uniformity, and performance. We use only traditional breeding methods to produce these powerhouse seeds.

Open-Pollinated & Heirloom Seeds

Our open-pollinated (OP) seeds naturally reproduce through wind, insects, water, or self-pollination. When grown in isolation, they produce true-to-type plants year after year.

Among our OP seeds are treasured heirloom varieties — old favorites that have been carefully passed down for generations. While OP plants can be less uniform than hybrids, we run our Open-Pollinated Project to select the most reliable, flavorful, and beautiful strains. Many are also available as certified organic seeds.

Non-GMO: What It Means and Why It Matters

GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is created when scientists alter a plant’s DNA in a lab — often by inserting genes from completely unrelated species — to achieve certain traits, like pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. This is a far cry from natural plant breeding.

At Shido, we believe gardening should stay as close to nature as possible. All our seeds — whether hybrid, heirloom, organic, or open-pollinated — are Non-GMO. They’re bred using traditional methods that respect natural biodiversity, giving you safe, wholesome seeds that grow into plants just as nature intended.

When you plant Shido Non-GMO seeds, you’re choosing purity, sustainability, and peace of mind — along with a garden full of flavor, color, and beauty.

Vacuum-Sealed for Freshness — Good for 10 Years

Every Shido seed packet isvacuum-sealedto lock in freshness and protect your seeds from moisture, air, and pests. This careful packaging not only preserves their quality but also extends their shelf life dramatically. Stored properly in a cool, dry place, our seeds remain viable for up to10 years— so you can plant them now, next season, or even years down the road. Whether you’re planning a garden this spring or building a long-term seed stash, Shido seeds are ready when you are

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