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Field Crops, Grains & OilseedsSafflower Planting Calendar
Safflower is a drought-tolerant oilseed with a deep taproot. It is grown on a small acreage, mostly in dry regions of the West and northern Plains.
Key points
- Safflower has no federal planting table, so rely on local extension guidance.
- It is a deep-rooted crop that tends to fit dry regions.
- Early weed control and good moisture at planting matter.
- Start small and keep notes.
What kind of crop is safflower?
Safflower is a broadleaf oilseed crop grown for oil and, in some places, for birdseed and specialty uses. It develops a deep taproot that can reach moisture deep in the soil, which is why it can fit dry regions. It also grows slowly in the first weeks and then develops a thorny, branching plant, so field operations and harvest need planning.
Because it is a small acreage crop, the USDA NASS usual planting dates publication does not list it, and there is no federal planting table to quote. The right approach is to rely on your land-grant extension guide and on advice from neighbors who grow it.
How do you decide when to plant safflower?
Many extension programs describe safflower as a crop that can be planted early in spring in cool soil, because it develops slowly and benefits from getting a head start before summer heat. Others point out that seedlings in the rosette stage tolerate cold better than older plants. Check your own state guide for the details that apply.
Build the plan from your last spring frost date, soil temperature and moisture. The aim is to get a stand established while the soil is moist and then let the deep roots do the work. Planting into dry soil and waiting for rain is risky. Ask extension about the minimum soil moisture you want at planting.
- No federal planting table exists for safflower
- Use local extension guidance and grower experience
- Check frost, soil temperature and moisture together
Why does moisture timing matter?
Safflower likes dry weather during late season, especially around flowering and harvest, because wet conditions encourage disease. Its deep taproot helps in dry years, but a wet summer or fall can cause trouble. That is why safflower tends to be grown in drier regions and why planting date influences when flowering falls relative to expected weather.
Irrigation can help in some regions, but check local water rules and ask extension about whether extra water improves results in your area. Over-watering late in the season can hurt more than it helps.
How does rotation work with safflower?
Safflower is a broadleaf, so it can break grass disease and weed cycles in a rotation with cereals. It also shares some diseases with other broadleaf crops, so extension programs often recommend a long gap between safflower crops in the same field. Your local number depends on your climate and disease history, so ask extension for it.
The deep roots can leave the soil dry in the profile after harvest, which affects the next crop. Talk to your extension agronomist about moisture recovery and crop sequence.
What do you need to know about weeds, pests and markets?
Safflower starts slowly and is a poor competitor with weeds early, so a clean seedbed and a weed plan are important. Insect and disease pressure vary by region, and extension programs can tell you what to scout for. Any pesticide use follows the label, including pre-harvest intervals, and applicator licensing rules vary by state. Protect pollinators by following label instructions.
Markets are specialized and limited. Talk to a buyer before planting and ask about contract rules, variety requirements and delivery logistics.
How should you start if safflower is new to you?
Begin with a small trial field. Choose well-drained soil, plan weed control before seeding and write down planting date, stand, flowering date and harvest date. Compare your notes with extension and neighbors at the end of the season.
If you cannot find local guidance, that is a signal to go slowly. A smaller test costs less than a full field, and what you learn helps you decide if safflower fits your farm.
- Start with a small trial
- Choose well-drained soil
- Keep detailed notes
What does a simple local research plan look like?
Because there is no federal planting table for safflower, do a small amount of local research before you plant. Call your county extension office and ask whether safflower variety trials have been done nearby. Ask for the planting dates that were used, the stand results and any disease problems. Then ask two or three growers what they would change.
Take your notes and compare them with your own frost dates, soil moisture and market options. If the answers are thin, plan a trial field. If the answers are strong, you can plan with more confidence. Either way, put a plan in writing so you can compare it to what actually happens.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.