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Safflower Planting Rate and Row Widths
Safflower is usually planted in 6-to 7-inch row spacing. Row spacings greater than 14 inches increase air movement and penetration of sunlight into the crop canopy. This may reduce leaf disease incidence but can favor weed competition, delay maturity, and decrease branching and seed oil content. Narrow rows are best for competing with weeds and usually result in more uniform stands that mature earlier.
Safflower has no official test weight. The seed is about the same size as barley and weighs approximately 38 pounds per bushel. Drill settings for seeding safflower often correspond to settings for similar seeding rates of barley. The following information rule can help calibrate your drill prior to planting: a 20-pound-per-acre seeding rate planting in 12, 10, 8 and 6-inch rows would require six, five, four and three seeds per linear foot of row, respectively. Seedling losses are often as high as 40-50 percent. A rate of 20 pounds per acre is sufficient if seedling losses are minimal, but growers should plant 25-30 pounds per acre to allow for the higher losses.
Adequate stand establishment is extremely important for maximum production with minimum weed and early maturity. If soil crusting occurs, running empty disk drills across the field or a light harrowing can improve seedling emergence. Care must be taken not to uproot, cover with soil, or damage seedlings.
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