This will be about 500 rpm for a 22-inch cylinder. Shaker speeds greater than those used for small grains are required to keep the machine from clogging. Shattering is not usually a problem, but safflower should be harvested when it is mature to minimize sprouting in the heads if a fall rain occurs. Bird damage to mature standing fields has not been a problem. Pest Control Weeds.
Weeds can cause yield loss and harvesting difficulties.
Safflower seedlings grow slowly and compete poorly with weeds for the first 3-4 weeks. Dual may be preplant incorporated or applied preemergence. If safflower is planted in wide rows, a rotary hoe may be used at speeds of 8-10 mph to kill weeds between the rows. A harrow may be used to control weeds that emerge before the safflower plants. Some damage to the safflower seedlings may occur if the soil is ridged and seedlings are buried too deep.