Michigan Safflower

Safflower brings warm, thistle-like texture and remarkable staying power to the vase. Its bristly orange and gold blooms hold up in heat and dry beautifully, all grown by our Michigan farmer collective.

Add safflower to a DIY bucket Request floral design

Seasonal Availability

AprMayJunJulAugSepOctNov

About Safflower

Safflower, or Carthamus, produces spiny, thistle-like flower heads in warm shades of orange and gold. Its stiff stems and spiky foliage give arrangements a rugged, textural quality.

It is an ancient crop grown for millennia for its dye and oil, and it doubles as a striking cut flower, as covered on its Wikipedia page.

Because it holds its color and shape so well, safflower is a favorite for both fresh summer designs and dried arrangements that last for months.

Safflower at a Glance

In season (MI)

July through September

Colors

Orange, gold, and cream

Stem length

20 to 32 inches

Best for

Mid to late summer

How to buy

Specialty DIY-bucket add-on, or custom design

Explore the libraryFiller Cream Orange Gold Summer–Fall

Forms & Varieties

Safflower reaches us in these forms.

Cut stems

Sturdy, branching stems of bristly warm-toned blooms for texture.

Bunches

Grouped stems that add warm color and structure to mixed designs.

Dried bunches

Air-dried safflower that keeps its color for lasting arrangements.

DIY buckets

Bulk safflower by the bucket for summer and fall events.

Care & Vase Life

Cut stems at an angle and place them in cool, clean water.
Strip the lower, spiky foliage and handle stems with care.
Refresh the water every two to three days for fresh use.
To dry, hang small bunches upside down in a cool, airy spot.
Fresh stems last seven to ten days, and dried stems last for months.

When We Have Safflower

Safflower is a mid to late summer flower for us, typically available from July through September. It is heat tolerant and dries well, making it a versatile pick for summer and fall projects.

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Availability shifts week to week with the Michigan season, so colors and varieties vary. Reserve ahead for events, and check the shop for what our farmers have cut this week.

Safflower Available to Buy Now

Ask about availabilityNot in the shop right nowSafflower are a specialty crop we grow in small batches. Members hear first when they are ready, and there is plenty in stock to browse today.See What's in Bloom Join as a Member

How to Get Safflower

DIY buckets

Add safflower to your bucket

Safflower is a specialty flower, so it isn’t sold on its own. Add safflower as a premium selection when you reserve a DIY bucket, ideal for weddings and events you’re arranging yourself.

Reserve a DIY bucket

Floral design

Let us design it for you

Prefer it done for you? Our floral designers create custom, safflower-forward arrangements and full wedding and event work. Pickup is at the barn; buyer members can also arrange local delivery.

Request floral design