Flower, 'Lorenzo Trussoni Heirloom' Safflower
Item Details
Lorenzo Trussoni definitely knew best when he brought this safflower from Italy to Genoa, Wisconsin, in 1889. Not only do its dried petals make an excellent saffron substitute when harvested fresh and dried inside, but the flowers also add a splash of vivid (yellow and orange-red) color to the garden. Plants reach about 2' tall and form flowering branches along their main stems. Today this safflower is grown by many in the Italian-American community in Genoa, including Lorenzo’s descendants.
- Organic
- From the Collection
- Annual plants grow to 2 foot
- Petals can be dried for a saffron substitute
- Striking cut flower
- Yellow to Orange-Red flower heads
Growing Instructions
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out into average well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed. Good cutting flower.
- Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before last frost
- Germination: 7-10 Days
- Plant Outdoors: 12-18” Apart
- Light: Sun/Partial Shade
Ratings & Reviews
3 reviews
beware - spiky leaves!
by melissa
Has terribly spiky leaves! Plants are tall and leaned over into the aisles of my garden and were literally painful to walk past. Will not plant these again.
Beautiful for cut flowers or natural dye
by Mary F
Bought these for my 2023 dye garden. Seeds sprouted well (better than other safflower seeds I tried). The plants needed some support but did fine with a couple rows of stakes with twine between them. The flowers bloomed very well with a lovely deep orange-yellow color.
Great pop of color and yummy
by Rogie
I was given a seed packet as a gift. I didn't grow nearly enough in the first year. I planted several more the second year from the same seed packet and all germinated. They are beautiful in the garden and dry wonderfully for culinary use. It was a great gift to receive.