Saffron Thistle – Carthamus Tinctorius Zanzibar
A striking foliage and flowering annual reaching approx. 3ft (90cm). The flowers are almost thistle like in appearance and can be used as a fresh cut flowers or even dried. Thrive in poorer soil and dry conditions, where other annuals may struggle.
Cultivation advice Saffron Thistle – Carthamus Tinctorius Zanzibar
- Best sown under cover in trays from 6-8 weeks before the last frost with warmth provided or can be direct sown out from late Apr onwards.
- Surface sow and only very lightly cover the seed with the growing medium and keep moist.
- Ideal germination temp 13-18 c (12-18 days)
- Seedlings can be transplanted to pots and grown on or direct sown seed will need thinned.
- Acclimatize any seedlings grown under cover before planting out after all danger of frost has passed.
- Spacing for mature plants ideally at least 30 cm.
