Plants > Climbers

false saffron

Carthamus tinctorius

Genus: Carthamus
Family: Asteraceae
Common Names: American saffron, bastard saffron, dyer's saffron, fake saffron, rouge plant, safflower, safflower oil plant, saffron thistle

About this plant

C. tinctorius is an erect, branching annual to 60cm, with spiny leaves and vivid orange or yellow, thistle-like flower-heads with prominent green bracts

Growing Information

Height

0.5-1 Metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 Metres

Hardiness

H5

Foliage

Deciduous

Growing Conditions

Sunlight

Full Sun

Soil

LoamSandy

pH

AcidAlkalineNeutral

Not Currently Available

This plant is not currently stocked at any garden centres on our platform.

Moisture

Well Drained

Aspect

West FacingEast Facing

Exposure

ShelteredExposed

Care Guide

Cultivation

Grow in any light, well-drained soil in full sun

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat from early to late spring

Pests

Generally pest free

Diseases

Generally disease free

Garden Uses

Uses

Ground Cover

Planting Places

IndoorOutdoor

Season of Interest

SpringSummerAutumn

Size & Characteristics

Height

0.5-1 Metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 Metres

Time to Full Height

Two To Five Years