Safflower

[Small pumpkin]

has anyone grown safflower?
I was sent some seeds yesterday as a free gift with a seed order. Unfortunately the seeds didn't come from the UK, because I wasn't paying attention to where I was ordering from! And I had already payed before I realised . Any way after doing a bit research, it looks like they don't grow well here. So just wondering if anyone has grown them.
Thanks

[Aberdeenplotter]

Never heard of it before but after a quick gurgle, it seems to be a very interesting plant. Once used as a substitute for saffron.

Requires a fairly deep soil as it develops a long tap root. Can survive drought but not tolerant of cold.

It has been discussed here before http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...wer_76532.html

[bearded bloke]

I tried it a couple of years back & totally "bombed" but I'm also rubbish at growing horseradish

[4390evans]

Yeah I used to get them when I bought seeds off ebay from china, they do grow but I dont think its hot enough in the uk for them to flower. I asked this question a few year ago. Shame cos they look nice x

[jackarmy]

They are the thistly type of flowers that have become very popular in boquets.
The seeds are used in birdseed mix and crushed as a vegetable oil.
I also got given some at the end of last year when i bought scotch bonnet and satans kiss seeds via amazon ( probably the same chinease supplier that sent yours ).

Neither the scotch bonnet or satans kiss were what they said they were , i left a review there the other day .

[Small pumpkin]

Thanks, they were the answers I thought I would get. After doing my own bit of research as well. Surprisingly They will not get long periods of dry weather. Up here. There's no chance of deep soil for them either. So I think I will mix them into my wild bird feed .

[lottie dolly]

I grew some last year,it is a herb,it's like marigold leaves with a thistle type flower,was not very impressed how they grew,will try again next season,will have to have a further investigative read up,as i only did as per pk,
my seeds were from a well known UK suppliers, not from overseas,

[rary]

Surprisingly They will not get long periods of dry weather. Up here. There's no chance of deep soil for them either.

What Sp are you saying you get some rain regularlyconfused:

[Small pumpkin]

What Sp are you saying you get some rain regularlyconfused:

I think ( looking at your location) you know all about the lack of dry spells