Flower Library
Safflower
Carthamus tinctorius · Asteraceae (Korbblütler)
Safflower brings sunny orange and a striking, thistle-like structure to summer bouquets. It is among the longest-lasting cut flowers of the season – at the Veiling Rhein-Maas we select only firm, budded stems in A1 quality that hold their character in the vase for one to two weeks. Robust, unusual and wonderfully easy.
- Season
- June – July – August – September
- Vase life
- 7–14 days
- Latin name
- Carthamus tinctorius
- Colors
- Orange, Yellow, Yellow-orange, Yellow-green (bud)
Botanically, safflower is a member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), related to the sunflower and aster. Spiky, globular buds open into brush-like flower heads in vivid orange or yellow. Alongside the classic orange, pure yellow and cream types are traded, as well as low-thorn varieties that are more pleasant to handle.
In floristry we value Carthamus above all as a giver of structure and texture. Its firm, branched form adds volume without weight and brings a wild, almost Mediterranean accent among soft summer flowers. Safflower is also popular as a dried flower: hung upside down to dry, it keeps its shape and colour for months.
Quality shows in firm, partly closed buds, strong green foliage and stable, non-woody stems. We buy directly at the Veiling Rhein-Maas without a wholesale middleman – this shortens the path from field to vase and shows in a vase life at the upper end of the usual range.
Stylistically, Carthamus suits summery, naturalistic and rustic bouquets. It harmonises with warm tones but can also be used deliberately as a contrast to cool blue or violet. In modern, graphic arrangements it readily takes the role of the eye-catching maverick.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle by about two centimetres with a sharp knife – not scissors – so the channels stay open.
- 02Remove all leaves below the water line; this keeps the water clear and noticeably extends vase life.
- 03Clean vase, fresh lukewarm water and a little flower food – change the water every two to three days.
- 04Safflower likes a moderately high water level and a bright spot out of direct sun; avoid draughts and proximity to fruit (ethylene).
- 05To keep the bouquet as a dried arrangement: hang the stems upside down in an airy, shaded place – shape and colour last for months.
Frequently asked
- How long does safflower last in the vase?
- Safflower is one of the most enduring cut flowers: with clean water and a fresh cut it stays beautiful for a good seven to fourteen days. Thanks to our direct A1-quality purchase at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, it usually sits at the upper end of that range.
- Is safflower toxic to cats or dogs?
- Carthamus tinctorius is considered non-toxic and does not appear on the relevant poisonous-plant lists – safflower oil is even used in pet food. As with any plant, nibbling larger amounts can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is best placed out of reach.
- When is safflower in season?
- The main season is high summer from June to September, peaking in July and August. During this period it is available in top quality at the Veiling; out of season it is mainly found as a dried flower.
- Can safflower be dried?
- Yes, very well indeed. Hung upside down in an airy, shaded spot, safflower keeps its shape and warm orange for many months – ideal for long-lasting autumn and winter arrangements.