How to Grow and Care for Flax Plants

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a rather tough plant that adds a certain whimsy to any wildflower garden and it is easy to grow. This erect annual herb grows up to three feet tall, donning numerous flat gray-green leaves. Flax plants require full sun and slightly acidic soil. Learn how to sow the seeds and care for the plants consistently to stretch the harvest from summer through autumn.

Flax Plant Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing a flax plant:

• Flax plants require full sun
• Prefers slightly acidic soil
• Likes to be moist but not water-logged
  

Light

Select a location that gets full sun. Flax cannot grow in shade.

Soil

Flax plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil that is fertile and well-drained. Sandy or loamy soil is best. If soil is poor, prepare the site by mixing in a lot of organic matter such as compost or manure.

Plants thrive close together. Sprinkle one tablespoon of seed per 10 square feet to welcome about 40 plants per square foot. Given that the seeds are very small, dust them with flour so that they will scatter more evenly.

Water

Lightly rake the soil gently to bury seeds with a half-inch of soil. Tamp down the seeds to ensure they make direct contact with the soil. Finely spray with water thoroughly; this will provide proper moisture while not drowning the seeds. Continue to water regularly. Seeds will germinate in about 10 days.

As plants mature, dry conditions may cause them to become short and woody. Maintain generous moisture without drenching or waterlogging. Put a thin layer of mulch to control moisture and weeds. Avoid planting in regions where there are heavy storms and high winds, and keep away from salt spray.

Temperature and Humidity

Flax grows best in a temperature range of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity of about 75%. This plant is frost tolerant.

Fertilizer

Flax plants are sensitive to fertilizer and using it can injure seedlings. The plants usually don't require fertilizing.

Types of Flax Plant

• Golden flax: Blooms with yellow flowers and reaches about 11 in. tall
• Red flax: A small plant (2-3 ft.) with dark reddish-brown leaves
• Spanish blue flax: An Old World variety; produces blue flowers
• Common flax: Cultivated for it's edible seeds and oil
  

Propagating Flax Plant

While flax can be propagated from stem cuttings, since this is an annual, gardeners are unlikely to bother propagating and instead would grow from seed.

How to Grow Flax Plant From Seed

Seeds can be started indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost. Because flax roots are sensitive, you should transplant seedlings into larger containers to avoid them becoming root-bound. If you are taking seeds from a flax plant, the best seeds will be nice and plump, not wilted or diseased. Here's how to grow flax plant from seed:

1. Look for a sunny location, as flax cannot be grown in shade.
2. If taking seeds from a flax plant, wait until 90 percent of the seed capsules (bolls) have turned brown. That is a sign that the plant is fully mature and ready to collect the seeds.
3. Carefully remove each seed (thresh) to reduce the risk of cracking. Store seeds at low consistent moisture between eight and 10 percent until ready to plant.
4. Add a mix of compost or organic matter if soil quality is poor.
5. After smoothing the planting area, add 1 tbsp of seeds for every 10 sq. ft.
6. Cover with 1/2 in. of soil.
7. Keep soil moist but not drenched. Look for germination in about 10 days.

Potting and Repotting Flax Plant

Flax plants can be grown in containers and they do well being crowded. Make sure to choose a container that has plenty of drainage holes and fill it 1/3 way up with potting mix (do not use fertilizer when grown in a container). Opt for shorter varieties of flax plant when growing in containers, between 12 to 36 inches tall.

Overwintering

Flax plants are frost tolerant. This is a cool-season annual plant that does not require overwintering in cold hardiness zones.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Flax plants are prone to pests like flax bollworms, grasshoppers, cutworms, and potato aphids. While the latter three are general pests, the flax bollworm is the only one unique to the flax plant. Make sure to examine your plants regularly for signs of pests as they can cause damage if left untreated. Spraying is usually advised if an infestation is discovered.

How to Get Flax Plant to Bloom

Bloom Months

Flax plant blooms in late spring to midsummer.

How Long Does Flax Plant Bloom?

Flax plant blooms for 8 to 12 weeks. The flowers only last for one day, but the plant flowers abundantly.

What Do Flax Plant's Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Flax plant produces pale blue 5-petal flowers with a delicate, earthy fragrance.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Flax plant will continue blooming if cut back by half after the first bloom. If you live in a hot climate, this can negatively impact the plant so avoid cutting back. Flax will not rebloom if it is too hot regardless of whether cut back or not.

From: thespruce