Safflower Zanzibar Seeds

Safflower Zanzibar Seeds – Irish Plants Direct

 

A striking and resilient annual grown for its bold, colourful thistle like blooms and its blend of ornamental value and traditional practical uses.

 

Safflower Zanzibar produces upright, branching plants with spiny foliage and vibrant flower heads that attract pollinators and add height, texture, and movement to borders, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic plantings.

 

This variety also excels as a dramatic ornamental, offering long lasting flowers ideal for cutting, drying, and adding structure to arrangements.

 

Thriving in full sun and well drained soil, this hardy annual tolerates heat and poorer conditions once established. Perfect for wildlife friendly planting, cut flower production, and low maintenance summer borders.

 

Seed Qty Approx 1 gram

 

Sow March to May direct outdoors or indoors from February

Germination 7 to 14 days at 18 to 22°C

Soil and Position Free draining fertile soil in full sun

Height/Spread 60 to 120 cm tall, 30 to 40 cm spread

Flowering July to September

 

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds thinly in prepared soil or in trays of moist, free draining compost. Lightly cover with fine soil and maintain temperatures of 18 to 22°C. Germination usually occurs within 1 to 2 weeks. Thin seedlings to 30 to 40 cm apart when large enough to handle. Harden off indoor seedlings and plant out after the last frost.

 

Grow and Maintenance

Water regularly during early growth, reducing watering once plants are established as Safflower thrives in drier conditions. Feed lightly with a balanced fertiliser to support strong stems and abundant flowering. Flowers can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements, while seed heads may be left to attract birds.

 

Uses and Benefits

Vibrant thistle style blooms for borders and beds

Attracts pollinators and wildlife

Seeds traditionally valued for oil content

Heat and drought tolerant once established

Excellent for cutting and drying

 

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