How long is the growth cycle of safflower?

Introduction to Safflower Growth

Safflower has strong adaptability and can grow in colder areas. It is suitable for growing on well-drained, moderately fertile sandy soil. The main producing areas in my country are Henan, Xinjiang, Shandong, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Gansu, Tibet and other places. It can be found wild in Shanxi, Gansu, Sichuan and other areas.

Safflower growth cycle

Safflower is cold-resistant, tolerant of barrenness, drought and waterlogging because it has a strong root system that can absorb water and nutrients deep in the soil. The specific growth cycle of safflower depends on when it is sown. If it is sown in spring, the growth cycle is 100-130 days. The growth cycle of safflower sown in autumn is about 180-250 days.

Growth rate of safflower

The growth process of safflower is divided into four stages. The first stage is the rosette leaf cluster stage, when the number of leaves on the plant continues to increase. The second is the elongation, branching, and budding stage. The third is the flowering stage, which lasts about 20 days. The fourth is the fruit ripening stage. It takes about 20 days from the withering of flowers to the maturity of seeds, so the growth rate is relatively fast.

Management of Safflower Growth Cycle

The yield of safflower in Yunnan is relatively high, about 35-40 kg per mu, while the yield of safflower in Xinjiang is relatively low, generally 12-15 kg per mu.

Temperature Management

Safflower seeds will generally germinate when the temperature exceeds 5 degrees. Usually, the suitable growth temperature during the vegetative growth stage is 15-20 degrees, and it is better to keep the temperature at 20-28 degrees during the reproductive growth stage.

Fertilization management

Safflower needs to be applied with base fertilizer when it is planted, and then topdressing is needed according to the growth and development period of the safflower. During the rosette stage, it is best to apply human and animal manure water in combination with thinning and transplanting. Before the plants sprout stems, branch out and cover ridges, use human and animal manure water and superphosphate. When buds are about to appear, topdressing can be done on the leaves to promote flowering.