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How is Safflower Cultivation Done?
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is an annual plant species from the daisy family (Asteraceae), grown in warm and temperate climates. . Its homeland is considered to be the surroundings of the Middle East and Central Asia. It generally grows better in dry and semi-arid climates and has a drought-resistant characteristic. Its most important use is its seeds. These seeds are used to obtain oil. Safflower oil can be used as edible oil. The oil content of the seeds is quite high and rich in healthy unsaturated fatty acids. In addition, its flowers are also quite valuable. In some cultures, they are used as food and fabric dye. Its use as a food coloring is common, especially in traditional Indian cuisine and some Asian countries.
Where Does Safflower Grow?
In our country, safflower farming varies according to the climate and soil conditions of different regions. Especially in our southern regions such as Şanlıurfa, winter sowing is preferred due to mild winters and insufficient rainfall. In regions like the Central Anatolia region, which are more temperate but have cold winters, sowing should be done in early spring as much as possible, preferably in March. In these regions, plants may be damaged before reaching winter in late sowings. Branching may decrease, and the yield and oil ratio in the grain may drop.
How Should the Climate and Soil Structure Be in Safflower Cultivation?
Appropriate climate and soil conditions are quite important for safflower cultivation. In terms of climate, safflower is generally grown as a summer plant, but in temperate regions where winters are not too cold, it can also be sown as a winter crop. Safflower, which generally adapts better to arid regions, is tolerant to drought, cold, and partial salinity. For this reason, safflower cultivation can be an important alternative in regions struggling with drought. In terms of soil structure, deep, fertile, loamy soils with no drainage problems and high water-holding capacity are ideal for safflower. However, since safflower is a less selective plant, it does not require very harsh conditions in terms of soil. In our country, its cultivation is more common in hot and arid regions such as Çukurova and Şanlıurfa. However, safflower can also be grown in temperate regions like Central Anatolia when suitable conditions are provided. Climate and soil structure are important factors that must be considered for the successful performance of cultivation.
Sowing in Safflower Cultivation
The sowing process is quite important for the healthy growth and productive cultivation of the plant. Safflower grown as a summer crop should be sown in the spring months. However, in regions where winter months are mild, winter safflower cultivation can also be done. If production is to be made with seeds, the most suitable sowing time is between March and April. Late sowings negatively affect the development of the plant, shortening its height, reducing branching, and lowering yield. Therefore, it is extremely important to sow on time and in an appropriate manner. During sowing, row spacing and sowing method are also important. Row spacing should be kept narrow for weed control.
Sowing can be done with seeders, and all equipment used for cereals can also be used in safflower sowing. Seed amount and sowing depth should be adjusted depending on the soil structure and variety. It can continue to germinate at low temperatures, but germination and emergence are faster at higher temperatures such as 15-16°C. After emergence, the growth and development of the plants are relatively slow. After the rosette stage, the plant becomes sensitive to cold, and flower formation and grain development can be negatively affected by cold weather. However, increasing temperatures increase the plant's resistance, and it can tolerate temperatures up to 40-45°C.
Irrigation in Safflower Cultivation
Fertilization in Safflower Cultivation
Before sowing, soil analysis should be performed to determine the nutrients the safflower plant will need. It is important that the necessary nutrients are present at the plant's effective root depth. Especially in the dry conditions of Central Anatolia, the effect of fertilization may not be very pronounced. This is because May and June, when the safflower will benefit the most, are generally dry. However, in irrigated conditions, fertilizers such as 10-12 kg/da of pure nitrogen and some phosphorus (5-6 kg/da) should be given to start plant development. It is recommended to provide nitrogenous fertilizer in the form of (NH4)2SO4. In this way, the deficiencies of nutrients in the soil are completed, ensuring the healthy and productive development of the safflower plant.
Harvest in Safflower Cultivation
The period when a large part of the leaves are completely dry, the flower sepals have turned almost completely brown, the heads have become easily threshable, and the grains have taken on a completely white color indicates that the harvest time has arrived. In this period, which usually corresponds to about 4-5 weeks after flowering, the plants reach physiological maturity and can be harvested. Harvest time should not be delayed and should be carried out immediately when the plants reach physiological maturity. In case of delay, the grain color may change, and if there is rainfall, there is a risk of the grain sprouting inside the hull. In safflower harvest, combine harvesters used in grain harvest can be easily used. However, the machine settings must be made correctly. The reel speed of the combine harvester should be 25% above the ground speed, and it should be set to a low level to prevent grain breakage during crop threshing. For the harvested crops to be stored safely, they must have a grain moisture of 8%, and this moisture rate should not exceed 10%.
How Many Months Does Safflower Grow In?
Safflower plant generally grows in a short period like 3.5 to 4 months. For this reason, it is important that all fertilizers are spread on the soil and mixed at once before sowing. This process is necessary to meet all the nutritional needs of the plant and ensure its healthy growth.
Is Safflower Cultivation Profitable?
Safflower farming draws attention with its resistance to arid climate conditions and its economic return. According to the statements made, it is stated that the economic return of safflower is much higher than that of wheat. This situation shows that safflower cultivation is a profitable agricultural activity. However, profitability can vary depending on various factors; therefore, factors such as local conditions, market demand, and input costs should be taken into consideration.
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