Safflower planting time and method

Safflower planting time

Safflower can be sown in spring, autumn or winter depending on the planting site. Usually, it is planted in winter in Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions, in autumn in Shandong region, and in spring in Xinjiang and Northeast China where the temperature is lower.

How to plant safflower

1. Soil selection

Safflower has a wide adaptability to soil and is resistant to barrenness. It is suitable for growing in arid and fertile soils. It is not suitable for planting in damp, waterlogged, low-lying areas. Therefore, it can be planted in dry land or wasteland. The land should be plowed to loosen the soil, and then decomposed farmyard manure and superphosphate should be applied.

2. Planting

Generally, high and low ridges can be made according to the terrain, with two rows in each ridge. Row sowing or spot sowing can be chosen. No matter which method is chosen, 6-7 seeds should be sown in each hole according to a certain plant spacing, and then covered with soil and watered. Wait for about 14 days for seedlings to emerge. Generally, the seed rate per mu is 1.5-2.5kg.

3. Field management

When the safflower seedlings grow to 6-7 cm, they need to be thinned out. During this period, the weak seedlings should be removed and the strong seedlings should be retained. Generally, 2 to 3 strong seedlings can be retained in each hole. If there is a shortage of seedlings, they need to be supplemented in time.

When the seedlings grow 4-5 leaves, they should be fertilized with a thin layer of human manure fertilizer once. The topdressing should be applied beside the roots to prevent the seedlings from lodging. Then, apply the second fertilizer around the Waking of Insects. 500-600kg of human manure fertilizer can be applied per mu. Match it after application to prevent the flower buds from lodging.

Precautions for planting safflower

During the growth period of safflower, various diseases and pests may occur. Common diseases include rust, root rot, black spot, anthracnose, etc., while common pests include crickets, cutworms, wireworms, grubs, and mole crickets. They will affect the normal growth of the plants and cause great harm. Therefore, it is necessary to do a good job in disease and pest prevention and control.