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A870 (Revised August 2019) Safflower Production Revised by Jerald Bergman, Agronomist Hans Kandel, Extension Agronomist

Utilization and Description bad cholesterol, promote muscle health Agronomics and improve heart health. High-linoleic Safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.) is an Safflower is a thistlelike plant with a strong safflower oil also is used as an ingredient in annual oilseed crop adapted primarily to central branch stem, a varying number of soaps, sunscreens, lotions, moisturizers and the cereal grain areas of the western Great branches and a taproot system. Each branch cosmetics for hydrating the skin and to help Plains. In North Dakota, safflower has been usually will have from one to five flower reduce inflammation and speed healing. grown in experimental test plots since 1928 heads containing 15 to 20 seeds per head. and on a commercial basis since 1957. High-linoleic oil is valued as a drying The seed oil content ranges from 30 to Acreage has been concentrated in the agent in paints and varnishes because of 50%, depending on variety grown and western part of the state. Safflower is its nonyellowing characteristic, and as a environmental conditions. Flower color well-adapted to western North Dakota and source of conjugated linoleic acid. The meal, is usually yellow or orange, although South Dakota, as well as eastern Montana. which is 24 to 36% protein, depending on some varieties have red or white flowers. the variety, is used as a protein supplement Safflower provides three principal for livestock and poultry feed. Plant height in North Dakota varies products: oil, meal and birdseed. between 15 and 30 inches, depending on Supplementation of sheep diets with Safflower oil consists of two types: the variety and environmental conditions. high-linoleic safflower oil (3 to 6% of the those high in monounsaturated The taproot of safflower can penetrate diet) has increased levels of unsaturated fatty acid (oleic) and those high in to depths of 8 to 10 feet in deep soils. polyunsaturated fatty acid (linoleic). fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid Because of its deep taproot system, in the lean meat tissue without adversely safflower is more tolerant to drought The predominant oil market is for those affecting growth performance or carcass than small grains and other oilseed crops. varieties that produce seed high in oleic characteristics. acid and very low in saturated fatty acids. In western North Dakota, safflower Supplementation of high-linoleic safflower High-oleic safflower oil is lower in saturates typically is sown in April or early May. in beef heifers also has improved body and higher in monounsaturates than olive Seedlings generally emerge in one to condition and animal performance. oil. High-oleic oil is a beneficial agent in three weeks. Supplementation of Nutrasaff safflower the prevention of coronary artery disease. fed up to 3% of dietary dry matter helped A young plant spends two to three weeks Oil from this type of safflower is used as improve the efficiency of nutrient utilization in the “rosette” stage while producing a heat-stable cooking oil to fry such food for milk production in lactating dairy cows leaves and its taproot system. Safflower items as french fries, chips and other snack and to improve milk fatty acid profile and tolerates temperatures as low as 20 F items. It also is used in cosmetics, food milk quality. while in the rosette stage. coatings and infant food formulations. Safflower seed also is marketed as Safflower is very susceptible to fall frost High-linoleic safflower oil also is used in birdseed. This industry predominately injury during the flowering period and seed human nutrition as a nutritional supplement markets the white hull or normal hull type development. Safflower has potential as an to reduce body fat and inflammation, lower of safflower, even though striped and partial alternative forage crop in the event an early hull types are higher in oil and protein killing fall frost occurs before crop maturity. content. The birdseed market does not Relative forage value peaks at or just after have a preference for a fatty acid type. the bloom stage and decreases in relative Safflower makes an acceptable livestock forage value as the safflower reaches forage when cut at or just after the bloom maturity. During a season when safflower stage in the event early frost kills the plants failed to mature due to unusually cool, North Dakota State University before seed ripening. Fargo, North Dakota wet growing conditions and earlier than Planting Dates, Fertilizer Requirements normal fall killing frosts, dry-matter yields Safflower will root deeper than small ranged from 1 to 3 tons per acre and quality Rates, Row Widths grains. This allows the safflower plant analyses showed that safflower hay had Optimum planting dates for safflower in to utilize deeper positioned nutrients, 8 to 10% crude protein with acceptable western North Dakota are between April 20 such as nitrogen (N), that are unavailable fiber levels. and May 10. Early planting allows the crop to take full advantage of the entire growing to small grains and other crops. Plants begin forming floral buds in late season. Earlier planting usually shows no Nitrogen is most often the limiting nutri- June and flower in mid to late July. advantage unless soil temperatures reach ent on nonfallow land. Phosphorus can be The bloom stage usually lasts 14 to 40 F for seed germination. limiting on fallow and nonfallow land, and 21 days, depending on stand density, safflower responds well to phosphorus. available moisture and variety. Cruiser 5FS or another registered product is recommended as a seed treatment in Local climate, soil type and management The crop matures about four weeks fields when wireworms were a problem (timeliness of planting, plant population, after flowering ends. In North Dakota, in previous crops. Planting after May 20 variety, weed control, etc.) influence safflower normally requires 110 to increases the risk of fall frost injury that yield. The NDSU soil test data and 120 days from emergence to maturity. reduces seed yield and quality. Delayed recommendations (Extension publication planting may delay the harvest to the SF882, “North Dakota Fertilizer Safflower grows best on deep, point that mechanical drying of the seed is fertile, well-drained loam soils Recommendation Tables and Equations”) necessary. Late planting generally results in with good water-holding capacity. can be used. shorter plants, less rooting depth, decreased It also can thrive in coarser-textured Because safflower roots penetrate to depths soils of lower water-holding capacity branching, and lower seed and oil yields. of more than 4 feet, sampling to depths when rainfall amount and moisture Use high-quality seed that has good greater than 2 feet would increase the distribution are adequate. germination (above 80%) and is treated accuracy of fertilizer recommendations. for prevention of seedling diseases. Safflower is similar to barley in tolerance to Safflower seedlings are not vigorous. Soil Yield potential should be realistic, based saline soils. Safflower is an excellent crop to crusting can reduce stand establishment. on longtime averages and the management grow in recharge areas because its taproot ability of the grower. Yields have ranged system can access surplus water below the Planting depths of 1 to 1.5 inches are from 500 pounds per acre when moisture rooting depth of small grains and utilize optimum. Recommended seeding rates was limiting or weed and/or disease the water during its full growing season. are from 15 to 30 pounds per acre of pure pressures were high, to more than live seed. The lower seeding rates result In North Dakota, the crop is best adapted 2,500 pounds per acre under conditions in more branches forming, a longer west of a north-south line through Minot relatively free of weeds, diseases and flowering period and later maturity of and Bismarck. In this area, dry atmospheric insects and when adequate moisture the crop. Higher seeding rates result in conditions usually prevail during the and fertility were available. less branching and thicker stands with blossoming and seed-filling stages. higher incidence of disease. The total N recommendation is 80 pounds East of this line, higher humidity and per acre. Total N includes soil available N morning dew increase leaf and head If possible, place seed into moisture; and credits based on previous crop. diseases and reduce seed set, both of however, do not seed safflower deeper which can reduce yields. However, the than 2 inches. Usually uniform emergence The method of nitrogen application will use of fungicides and varieties with resulting in better stands is obtained with depend on the nitrogen source used. improved Alternaria leaf spot resistance shallow seeding. Seeding into dry soil Anhydrous ammonia should be applied have extended the growing area farther east. and allowing spring rains to recharge 4 to 6 inches beneath the soil surface. this germination zone is preferred to deep Broadcast-applied urea and other dry or planting. Dryland safflower usually is liquid nitrogen fertilizer products should Rotation planted in 6- to 10-inch row spacing. be worked into the soil shortly after Safflower most often is grown on recrop application. or in rotation with small grains or fallow Safflower seed size is similar to barley Drill row application never should exceed and annual legumes. Volunteer grain from and weighs approximately 38 pounds per 15 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre the previous crop may be a problem when bushel. Drill settings for seeding safflower because seedling injury may occur if this safflower follows cereals. Volunteer grain often correspond to settings for similar level is exceeded. Urea never should be is controlled easily with registered grassy seeding rates of barley. applied with the seed. weed herbicides such as Poast or Select Max. The following rule can help calibrate Safflower grown on soils with low Safflower should not follow safflower in your drill prior to planting: phosphorus tests depends heavily on rotation or be grown in close rotation with a 20-pound-per-acre seeding applied fertilizer. Because of position other crops susceptible to the disease rate planting in 12-, 10-, 8- and availability, banding or drill applying Sclerotinia (white mold). These crops 6-inch rows would require six, phosphorus is more efficient than include dry bean, field pea, sunflower, five, four and three seeds per broadcasting. Up to 35 pounds per acre mustard and canola. Reduced tillage linear foot of row, respectively. of phosphate can be drill-applied safely. and/or chemical fallow is advisable to preserve residue and reduce erosion If soil crusting occurs, running empty disk when summer fallowing after safflower. drills across the field or a light harrowing can improve seedling emergence. Weed Control varieties carefully because some are Harvesting and Storage more susceptible to Alternaria leaf spot Safflower is a poor competitor with weeds Safflower is physiologically mature about than others. when in the rosette stage and before stem 30 days after flowering and ready to harvest elongation, so weed competition is Quadris and AZteroid FC (azoxystrobin), when most of the leaves have turned frequently a serious production problem. Headline EC or SC (pyraclostrobin), and brown and only a tint of green remains The rosette state lasts four to six weeks, Priaxor (fluxopyrad + pyraclostorbin) are on the bracts of the latest flowering heads. allowing weeds to become established labeled for foliar application at first flower Seeds should rub freely from the heads. before the plants can shade the soil surface. to control or suppress Alternaria leaf spot. Seed shattering is usually not a problem, Do not attempt to grow safflower without Additional applications may be required although safflower should be harvested a good weed control program. under favorable disease conditions and as soon as it is mature to minimize the under irrigated conditions. The following herbicides are labeled for danger of seed damage from excessive weed control in safflower:Eptam (EPTC), Safflower rust (Puccinia carthami) is rarely moisture. Excessive rain and high humidity a problem. The seed-borne spores of Prowl H2O, trifluralin (various brand after physiological maturity of the seed names), Sonalan (ethalfluralin), Dual safflower rust are controlled readily may cause sprouting in the head. Magnum or generic S-metolachlor, by seed treatment. Bird damage to mature standing fields Spartan Charge (carfentazone and sulfentra- Other diseases of safflower usually have rarely has been a problem but may develop zone), Harmony SG (thifensulfuron), not been a problem in North Dakota. when fields adjoin a bird sanctuary. Poast (sethoxydim), Select Max 1EC, Other diseases include: Sclerotinia root Select 2EC, or Shadow 3EC (clethodim) Most safflower grown in North Dakota is rot or head rot, Phytopthora root rot, Preharvest herbicides: Glyphosate, Drexel ready to harvest in early to late September, Verticillum wilt, Fusarium wilt, Pythium Defol (sodium chlorate), Sharpen + MSO depending on planting date and weather root rot and Pseudomonas bacterial blight. adjuvant (saflufenacil), and Valor SX or conditions during the growing season. Control of these diseases is best obtained by EZ + MSO adjuvant (flumioxazin). planting disease-free seed, treating the seed Safflower is directly harvested with a with proper fungicides and crop rotation. See NDSU Extension publication W253, small-grain combine. To prevent cracking “North Dakota Weed Control Guide,” Safflower never should follow safflower, of the seed, the combine cylinder speed for specific recommendations. sunflower, dry bean, soybean, mustard, should not exceed a peripheral speed of canola or lentil in a rotation. 3,000 feet per minute. This will be about 500 rpm for a 22-inch cylinder. Read and follow the current pesticide A four-year rotation is recommended labels prior to use. Kochia, Russian thistle to separate these crops. When possible, Suggested concave clearance is e inch and wild mustard are the most difficult select varieties with disease tolerance. at the front and ½ inch at the back. weeds to control. Perennials such as Most of the newer varieties have some Shaker speeds greater than those used Canada thistle and perennial sowthistle tolerance to the Alternaria leaf spot. for small grains are required to prevent can be serious problems. Safflower plant residue from plugging the machine. should not be grown on fields with Recommended seed treatments and heavy infestations of perennial weeds. foliar fungicides are listed in the most Air should be adjusted to remove most of current NDSU Extension publication, the empty or unfilled seeds. During the If weeds emerge before the safflower, PP622 (revised), “North Dakota Field harvest operation, a white fuzz from the harrowing with a light spike tooth or light Crop Plant Disease Management Guide,” seed heads is abundant in the air and coil spring harrow may control some weeds, available at your local Extension office. may clog combine radiators and air but damage to the emerging safflower intakes, causing the combine to overheat. can occur. When irrigated safflower is Small-meshed screen enclosures over these planted in wide rows (22 to 24 inches), Insect Problems cooling mechanisms should minimize this early cultivation between the rows before Safflower has relatively few insect problem, and blowing out radiators with stem elongation will kill most small weeds. pests that cause economic damage. air once or twice daily may be necessary. After stem elongation, cultivation may be Grasshoppers, cutworms and Accumulations of this fuzz can be a fire used to move soil into the row to cover wireworms are a potential problem. hazard. small weeds in the row. Insecticides are available and producers For safe, long-term storage, threshed should consult the NDSU Extension seed should not exceed 8% moisture. Disease Problems publication E1143 (revised), “North Dakota Drying the seed can be accomplished Diseases have been a problem in years Field Crop Insect Management Guide,” following the same precautions and of above-normal rainfall with extended available at local Extension offices, for procedures as for sunflower. Drying periods of high humidity. The most serious latest recommendations. Check the label temperatures should not exceed 110 F disease under these conditions is Alternaria for the insects controlled. Cruiser 5FS to ensure highest seed quality and no leaf spot (Alternaria carthami). (thiamethoxam), Dyna-Shield, Gaucho 600F seed damage. and Senator 600FS (imidacloprid) are Alternaria is characterized by the registered for wireworms in safflower. development of large, brown, somewhat Mustang Maxx (zeta-cypermethrin) and irregular spots on leaves and flower bracts. Fotenza (cyantraniliprole) are registered The resultant loss of photosynthetic tissue for cutworms in safflower. reduces yield. Growers should select Marketing Varieties Table 2. Agronomic Historically, nearly all safflower produced Almost all commercially available safflower Performance of Varieties in North Dakota, Montana and South varieties have been tested at western (average of six site locations). Dakota is grown and sold under contract. North Dakota Research Extension Centers. Seed Plant Test Agronomists at the respective centers Variety Yield Height Weight Oil Contracts should be negotiated prior to or county agents can be consulted for spring planting. (lbs/A) (inches) (lb/bu) (%) variety recommendations. Oleic types Basically, the contract will promise to buy, A description of the most popular commercial Hybrid 1601 2,341 23 39.0 36.5 at a set price, the total production from a safflower varieties and agronomic traits are MonDak 1,927 22 39.5 35.4 specific number of acres agreed to by the shown in Tables 1 and 2. Often, the grower Montola 2003 1,803 20 39.8 37.7 grower. Price per ton may vary depending will be limited to growing varieties that are Linoleic types on seed oil content and/or test weight. contracted by the buyer and contractor. Cardinal 2,091 23 42.2 36.2 Contracts should include price per unit, Finch 1,557 23 40.4 36.8 Finch, Montola 2003, Hybrid 9049, Cardinal payment provision, acreage to be grown, NutraSaff 1,372 24 36.3 46.6 and MonDak are the preferred varieties for storage payments and provisions, the white birdseed market because they Quadris fungicide applied at first flower. premiums and discounts for oil content have a pure white seed (normal hull). or test weight, as well as moisture content * Data provided by: Oleic and linoleic safflower oil varieties NDSU Research Extension Centers at and dockage, final delivery point and should not be mixed or grown within Hettinger, Minot, Carrington and Williston, N.D., freight allowances, and an “act of God” and MSU Research Center at Sidney, Mont. one mile of each other. clause in case of crop disaster. Contracts are recommended as a safe way to market safflower seed.

Table 1. Safflower Variety Descriptions.

Hull Oil Irrig. Dryland – Tolerance5– Variety Origin1 PVP6 Type2 Type3 Yield4 Yield4 TWT4 Oil4 Maturity Alt. BB

Centennial MT/ND yes STP lino m good good med v good m late MT MT Finch MT/ND no N lino good v good v high fair med MS T Hybrid 1601 STI yes STP oleic v good v good m high good m late MT MT NutraSaff MT/ND yes RED lino good good med high med T MT Montola 2003 MT/ND yes N oleic v good v good m high good m early MT MT MonDak MT/ND yes N oleic good v good high fair m early T MT Cardinal MT/ND yes N lino v good v good v high fair med T MT

1 STI = Safflower Technologies Inc., MT = Montana, ND = North Dakota 2 STP = striped, N = normal, RED = reduced 3 Lino = linoleic 4 Relative ratings of yield, test weight and oil will vary under conditions of moderate-severe disease infestation 5 Alt = Alternaria leaf spot disease, BB = bacterial blight, MS = moderately susceptible, MT = moderately tolerant, T = tolerant 6 “yes” indicates the variety is protected and the seed may be sold for planting purposes only as a class of certified seed.

Duane R. Berglund, NDSU professor emeritus, and Neil Riveland, former NDSU Extension agronomist, contributed to this publication.

Photo by Hans Kandel.

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