Editing Safflower (section)

==Biology==
[[File:Carthamus tinctorius Sturm21.jpg|thumb|400x400px|Safflower (''Carthamus tinctorius''), Illustration]]

===Plant morphology===
Safflower is a fast growing, erect, winter/spring-growing [[Annual plant|annual herb]], that resembles a [[thistle]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Grain research & development corporation|date=2020-11-06|title=Safflower plant growth and physiology|url=https://grdc.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0023/370580/GrowNote-Safflower-North-04-Physiology.pdf}}</ref> Originating from a leaf [[Rosette (botany)|rosette]] emerges a branched central stem (also referred to as terminal stem), when day length and temperature increase. The main shoot reaches heights of {{cvt|30|–|150|cm|in}}. The plant also develops a strong [[taproot]], growing as deep as {{cvt|2|m}}. First lateral branches develop, once the main stem is about {{cvt|20|–|40|cm}} high. These lateral branches can then branch again to produce secondary and tertiary branches. The chosen variety as well as growing conditions influence the extent of branching.

The elongated and [[Serration|serrated]] leaves reach lengths of {{cvt|10|–|15|cm}} and widths of {{cvt|2.5|–|5|cm}} and run down the stem. The upper leaves that form the [[bract]]s are usually short, stiff and ovate, terminating in a spine.<ref name=":1" /> [[Bud]]s are borne on the ends of branches, and each composite flower head ([[Capitulum (flower)|capitulum]]) contains 20–180 individual [[florets]]. Depending on variety, crop management and growing conditions, each plant can develop 3–50 or more flower heads of {{cvt|1.25|–|4|cm}} diameter. [[Flowering]] commences with terminal flower heads (central stem), followed sequentially by primary, secondary and sometimes tertiary branch flower heads. Individual florets usually flower for 3–4 days. Commercial varieties are largely self-pollinated. Flowers are commonly yellow, orange and red, but white and cream coloured forms exist.<ref name=":1" /> The [[Carpel|dicarpelled]], [[epigynous]] ovary forms the [[ovule]]. The safflower plant then produces [[achene]]s. Each flower head commonly contains 15–50 seeds; however, the number can exceed 100. The shell content of the seeds varies between 30 and 60%, while the oil content of the seeds varies between 20 and 40%.<ref name=":1" />

===Plant development===
{{one source|section|date=October 2021}}
Safflower usually emerges 1–3 weeks after sowing and grows slower under low temperatures. Germination of safflower is [[epigeal]]. The first true leaves emerging form a [[Rosette (botany)|rosette]]. This stage occurs in winter with short daylength and cold temperature, as the safflower can tolerate frosts up to {{cvt|-7|°C}} during the rosette stage.

When temperature and daylength start to increase, the central stem begins to elongate and branch, growing more rapidly. Early sowing allows more time for developing a large rosette and more extensive branching, which results in a higher yield.

Flowering is mainly influenced by daylength. The period from the end of flowering to maturity is usually 4 weeks. The total period from sowing to harvest maturity varies with variety, location, sowing time and growing conditions; for June or July sowings, it may be about 26–31 weeks.<ref name=":1" />

Both wild and cultivated forms have a diploid set of 2n = 24 chromosomes. Crossings with ''Carthamus palaestinus'', ''Carthamus oxyacanthus'' and ''Carthamus persicus'' can produce fertile offspring.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}