Safflower – Carthamus Zanzibar Orange “Carthamus tinctorius”

Carthamus ‘Zanzibar Orange’ (Carthamus tinctorius) is a bold and beautiful annual with spiky, thistle-like blooms in brilliant orange. Known as safflower, this drought-tolerant plant brings drama, structure, and colour to both fresh and dried bouquets. With long stems and a tough nature, it’s perfect for hot, dry gardens — and a winner in the vase.

🌱 Growing Conditions

✅ Plant Size:

• Height: 70–100 cm

• Width: 30–40 cm

✅ Climate:

• Thrives in warm to hot, dry climates

• Ideal for spring and early summer planting in South Africa

• Very heat- and drought-tolerant — perfect for Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo, and Karoo-like conditions

• Not frost-tolerant — sow after danger of frost has passed

✅ Soil Requirements:

• Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

• Avoid overly fertile soil which encourages foliage over flowers

• pH: 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

✅ Sunlight Needs:

• Requires full sun — 6–8+ hours daily

• Best performance in dry, open positions

🌸 Planting Instructions

✅ Best Planting Time:

• Spring to early summer (September–November)

• Sow in succession for longer harvest window

✅ Sowing Seeds:

• Direct Sow: Preferred — sow into well-prepared beds, 1.5–2 cm deep

• Spacing: 20–30 cm apart

• Not suited for transplanting due to deep taproot

✅ Germination Time:

• 7–12 days at 18–24°C

• Keep soil lightly moist until germination, then reduce watering

💧 Watering & Fertilization

✅ Watering:

• Water to establish, then water sparingly — overwatering may cause root problems

• Very drought-tolerant once established

✅ Fertilization:

• Minimal feeding required

• Too much nitrogen = more foliage, fewer flowers

• Light feeding at planting is sufficient

✅ Mulching:

• Optional — helps retain moisture in very dry climates

• Avoid mulch that keeps stems wet

🐛 Pest & Disease Management

✅ Common Pests:

• Rarely affected by pests

• Monitor for aphids or occasional leaf miners

✅ Common Diseases:

• Root rot in heavy or waterlogged soil

• Rust or mildew if overcrowded — plant with good airflow

🌼 Flowering & Maintenance

✅ Bloom Time:

• Blooms 10–12 weeks after sowing

• Flowers from mid-summer through early autumn

✅ Deadheading & Pruning:

• Harvest stems when blooms are just starting to open

• Remove spent flowers to extend blooming period

✅ Fragrance:

• Mild to none — grown more for colour and texture

🌿 Garden Uses & Companion Planting

✅ Companion Plants:

• Pairs beautifully with sunflowers, rudbeckia, amaranthus, cosmos, and gomphrena

• Ideal in dry borders, cut flower rows, and drought-tolerant gardens

✅ Best Uses:

• Cut flowers: Long stems, bold colour, and unique texture

• Dried flowers: Keeps its shape and colour well

• Back borders: Adds structure and height

• Wildlife gardens: Attracts pollinators, especially bees

💥 Why Grow Carthamus ‘Zanzibar Orange’?

✔️ Bold Blooms: Vibrant orange thistle-like flowers stand out in any arrangement
✔️ Low Water Needs: Thrives in dry gardens and extreme heat
✔️ Great for Cutting: Long, sturdy stems and unique form
✔️ Long-Lasting Dried Flower: Holds colour and texture for months
✔️ Easy to Grow: Low-maintenance and fast-growing

For a burst of bright orange, bold form, and resilience in the heat, plant Carthamus ‘Zanzibar Orange’ — and watch it bring fiery energy to your beds, borders, and bouquets!