Wooden bowl filled with dried saffron strands on a white background

Safflower Petals (Carthamus tinctorius) - Organic

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$14.90

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Also known as false saffron, dyer's saffron, beni (Japanese), Färberdistel or Saflor (German), saffloer (Dutch), carthame (French), קורטם (Hebrew).

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) is a thistle-like annual in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), with highly branched stems and vibrant orange to yellow flowers. Historically cultivated for its oil-rich seeds, it was also used as a saffron substitute in the early Spanish colonies along the Rio Grande.

Did you know? In Japan, safflower dyes (beni) were highly prized for their brilliant pinks, used to color silks and cosmetics. The petals contain both yellow and red pigments, which can be coaxed out depending on the pH of the dye bath.

Our safflower is sourced from the Anatolian region, where the flowers are grown for oil production and the petals are carefully separated for dyeing use.

Active dye compounds: Carthamin (red pigment), water-soluble yellow flavonoids.

CI Natural Red 2

Shading Tips

No mordant (on silk/cotton) → works as a substantive dye
Yellow extraction → golden yellows (hot or cold bath)
Alkaline extraction (pH 11, soda ash) → releases pink-red pigments
Acidification (vinegar to pH 6) → stabilizes pink for silk dyeing
Exhaust bath → oranges and soft yellows
Overdye with indigo → fresh spring greens to warm corals

WOF: 100–200% for deepest shades

Preparation: Use petals in a muslin bag or dye bag for easier handling

Yellow dye:
– Soak petals overnight in water
– Strain and remove petals; bath can be used hot or cold

Pink dye:
– Soak petals in alkaline solution (10% soda ash, pH 11) for ~2 hours
– Strain, then acidify solution with vinegar to pH ~6
– Use cold bath for dyeing silk in brilliant pinks

Fiber types: Best on silk and cotton

Light/Washfastness: Moderate to low; suited for special projects and historically inspired work

For external use only. Not edible.
Keep away from children and pets.
Wear gloves and mask when handling powders.
Avoid inhalation of dust and contact with eyes.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use.

Naturally farmed and processed by small producers.

This product complies with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR).

Packed and distributed by The Natural Dye Store, eHouse Rishon, Derech HaMaccabim 58, 7535998 Rishon LeZion, Israel. Contact: Suzanne Tamar Dekel, info@naturaldyestore.com, +972 52-541-0033.