Safflower, anyone?

[tigerd]

I was thinking about growing Safflower. One person tells me it was grown more twenty years ago, and not worth much, the next says it is a good cash crop. I just know I wouldn't want to plug the combine with it! Has anyone got any stories, any growers in particuliar?

[piquett]

Safflower has been grown in Alberta. As with most special crops, finding markets are always a challenge. It is quite a spiny crop (thistle like) but has beautiful yellow flowers - dried flower industry likes them. The seed is produced for the oil. It needs good heat units and long growing season There is a Safflower Manual - check with the Alberta Safflower Growers Association for more information at Box 822, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3Z8 ph 403-381-5124

[twogee]

We grew safflower several years ago. As I recall, it was easy to grow, but the long taproot sucks up a lot of moisture. It's a good competitor, but really prickly, and itchy too. You'll need a contract. New varieties will probably perform better. Henning Mundel @ Lethbridge Research Stn. could probably give you more info.