Actually this plant called Safflower is
predominantly grown for its oils which are really healthy for the heart and also
used in foods. This plant growing requirements are uniquely suited for arid
regions. On this article you will learn how to grow and care for safflower
plants.
Information about Safflower
This plant actually has an extremely
long taproot which enables it to reach deep into the soil to retrieve water,
making it a perfect crop for arid farming areas. Of course, this deep rooting
for water uptake does deplete the available water in the soil, so sometimes the
area will need to lay fallow for up to six years to replenish the water levels
after growing the safflower plant. This plant also leaves very little crop
residue, which leaves fields open to erosion and is susceptible to several
diseases. Without been told the demand from our heart healthy nation is such
that the price garnered is well worth growing safflower plant as a cash crop.
How to grow safflower plant
The normal growing requirements for
safflower plants are well-drained soils with good water retention, but then
safflower is not picky and it will grow in coarse soil with inadequate
irrigation or rain. The plant does not like wet feet, however. Safflower plant is
seeded in early to late spring. You can plant the seeds ½ inch deep in rows
that are about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm.) apart in a prepared firm bed. The germination
will take place in about 1 to 2 weeks. Harvesting occurs about twenty weeks
from planting.
How to care for Safflower plant
The plant usually does not need
additional fertilization at least in the 1st year of growing because
the long taproot is able to reach and extract nutrients. At times a
supplemental nitrogen rich fertilizer will be used. This plant is drought
tolerant so the plant does not need much in the way of supplemental water. Make
sure you keep the safflower growing area free from weeds that compete for water
and nutrients. Also monitor and control for pest infestation, most especially
in the early part of the growing season when the safflower plant can decimate a
crop. Actually disease is most common during the rainy season when fungal
diseases may be a problem. Some of these diseases can be managed through the
use of disease resistant seeds.
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