About Flax
Flax is easy to grow from seed and surprisingly adaptable to a range of conditions. It's a classic choice for the Cottage Garden look and is commonly used in meadows and roadside plantings.
When to Plant Flax Seeds
As a cool-season variety, sow flax seeds as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Seedlings with at least two leaves can survive a late-season frost. In temperate climates, early fall planting is also an option.
Where to Plant Flax Seeds
Grow flax in full sun and rich, well-draining soil. While flax can be adaptable to different soil types, it's beneficial to amend poor soil with organic matter, compost, or manure. Flax may struggle in clay or wet soil conditions.
How to Plant Flax Seeds
Flax seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.
While not mandatory, Perennial Flax seeds can benefit from a special 4 to 8-week treatment called cold stratification before planting. Learn more about the importance and process of cold stratification here.
Direct sow seeds onto the soil surface using a broadcast method, then compress gently. Do not cover the seeds, as they require sunlight to germinate. Water the area well after sowing the seeds.
How to Care for Flax
Once established, Flax requires little care. While not needing staking, Flax does have spindly stalks, so support from companion plants can be beneficial. Collect seeds at the end of the season for future planting, and clear the growth once it dies back.