Grenade Orange Carthamus

Grenade Orange is an annual safflower selection grown for deep orange, thistle-like flower heads and sturdy stems for fresh or dried arrangements. Its rounded buds and nearly spineless, rounded leaves distinguish it from more conventional prickly safflower types. ## Flowers and use [Egmont Seeds](https://egmontseeds.co.nz/products/carthamus-grenade-orange) lists Grenade Orange as Carthamus tinctorius and describes deep orange blooms, round thornless leaves, and a hardy annual habit; it gives an approximate plant height of 80 cm and flowering in about 90 days. [Ball Seed’s cut-flower catalog](https://catalog.ballseed.com/view/410227766) lists the selection at 32–40 inches, with round flower buds and thornless leaves on uniform stems, suitable for fresh or dried use. The [NC State Extension trial list](https://cutflowers.ces.ncsu.edu/postharvest-trials-abc1/) records Grenade Orange in its Carthamus cut-flower trials. ## Siting Sow in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is grown as an annual cut flower; harvest stems for bouquets or allow some heads to mature for structural interest. Local sowing dates should follow frost timing and the seed supplier’s directions. ## Maintenance Direct sow or transplant according to seed-lot instructions, water during establishment, and avoid persistently soggy soil. Harvest flowering stems as desired; remove plants after their annual cycle.