Differences in Growth, Flower Color, and Eating Quality between Mogami Safflower and American Safflower (CW88-0L)

Abstract

In this study we planted Mogami safflower in a planter and compared its growth with the growth of American safflower (CW88-0L) ; some differences were found as follows : (1) The growth rate of Mogami safflower was faster than that of CW88-0L. The period between flowering and germination was 75 days in Mogami safflower and 88 days in CW88-0L. (2) The color of petals in Mogami safflower was yellow at the beginning, then changed to orange, and finally showed pure orange. On the other hand, the color of petals in CW88-0L was yellow during flowering. (3) Both thorns appeared on leaf and calyx 65 days after sowing, and in Mogami safflower they were sharper than in CW88-0L. (4) In regard to the weight and size of seeds, Mogami safflower was heavy and big compared with those of CW83-0L. (5) The taste of young leaf in Mogami is slightly bitter and tastier than in CW88-0L.