How to Grow Safflower Seed

Prepare the garden bed for planting by turning the soil over with a spade and breaking apart soil clods. If you find rocks, roots or weeds, remove them so the seeds can germinate without trouble.

Dig 1- to 1.5-inch-deep furrows after all danger of frost passes. Sow safflower seeds directly in furrows spacing seeds 6 to 10 inches apart. Cover with soil to complete planting.

Dampen the soil with water. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, typically within one to three weeks.

Weed the garden bed by hand frequently. Safflower seeds are slow starters, so they benefit from frequent weeding to discourage competitors.

Fertilize safflower with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, using the right dosage range for your size of garden bed. Mix water-soluble fertilizer with liquid, then pour over the plants to apply. Continue to water plants and weed the garden bed while your safflower grows.

Collect the seed when the flower fully matures, about one month after bloom time. At this time, the leaves should be brown, and the flower should feel dry but not brittle. Put on garden gloves to protect your hands, and rub a gloved hand over the flower. Hold a bowl below the bloom with your other hand. Seeds should fall from the flower.