Carthamus tinctorius 'Superior Orange'
Trial: Annual
Years Trialed: 1998
Good Qualities:
Color (4); Good production; Used as fresh & dried; Unusual flower for our market which increased demand; Good for fall market; High germination; Good branching.
Problems:
Thorny compared to variety that we normally grow (2); Had a bad problem with thrips (1st time ever); Some disease problems due to wet weather early on; Thorns & sharp leaves on some plants B still segregating for thornless/thorned types makes it unsuitable for commercial release.
Trial Data
| Yield (stems/plant) | Stem Length (inches) | Market Appreciation Rating (1) | Repeat Again Rating (1) | Ease of Cultivation Rating (1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 3.2 | 22.8 | 3.3 | 2.7 | 4.5 |
(1) 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the best. Market ratings are based on sales to wholesalers, retailers, or final consumers direct.
Supplier
Cramers' Posie Patch
116 Trial Rd. N.
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
717-367-9494
FAX 717-367-8666
Comments:
Since we had never grown safflower before, we weren't sure when to harvest it. It was bloomed out in a matter of days in our 90+ degree heat; Similar to Carthamus 'Lasting Orange'; We grew the 'Superior Orange' side by side with 'Orange Ball' from Grimes. 'Superior' withered up & turned brown just when starting to bloom. 'Orange Ball' bloomed, but yield wasn't great. Plants were mulched with compost & irrigated with drip tape. Last year we got a better yield from the 'Orange Ball' than this year; Sharp leaves, segregating yellow with thorns.