Stock image of field of small, blue, five-petaled blossoms on tall grass-like plants

How To Grow Flax Seeds

Updated on Dec 29, 2021
By Shannon McCabe

Latin name Linum usitatissimum is a cold-hardy annual. The delicate blue flowers give way to nutritious seeds, making it a charming edible ornamental. This annual is easily grown in USDA zones 4-8.

HISTORY

Its native range is disputed but flax is believed to be from east of the Mediterranean to India. Flax is an ancient plant that is believed to be one of the first domesticated crops. It has been domesticated for food, fiber, medicine and textile for several thousands of years.


USES

  • Ornamental and edible.
  • Traditional medicinal plant
  • Used for fiber and textile

Stock image close up of small blue five-petaled blossom in focus surrounded by out of focus blossoms, tiny green buds and tall grass-like stalks of greenStock image close up of small blue five-petaled blossom in focus surrounded by out of focus blossoms, tiny green buds and tall grass-like stalks of green

  • Seeds germinate in 10-14 days.
  • Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost and transplant after all chance of frost has passed, or direct seed about time of last frost.
  • Ideal germination temperature is 65-70 F.
stock image of blue-violet blossoms and green flower buds on tall stalks.stock image of blue-violet blossoms and green flower buds on tall stalks.

  • Plants prefer full sun to part shade.
  • Provide rich, well- drained soil, although plants will tolerate poorer soil.
  • Prefers frequent, light watering.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Fungal disease can be an issue for this typically pest-free plant.
  • Promote good air circulation and avoid excessively wet foilage to prevent fungal disease.
stock image of 2 dozen or so pale blue-violet five-petaled blossoms with white centers surrounded by grass-like greenerystock image of 2 dozen or so pale blue-violet five-petaled blossoms with white centers surrounded by grass-like greenery

  • Cut flower stalks when 90 percent of seed pods have turned yellowish brown and have begun to split.
  • Lay pods out and dry for 7 days in a warm, dry area away from direct sunlight.
  • Place seeds in a bag and disturb to break seeds free.
  • Winnow to separate seeds from chaff.
stock image shows a wooden table with a stalk of flax with one open blue-violet blossom and several buds or seed pods; at left front is a small wooden dish filled with tiny oval brown flax seeds; at rear to the right is a clear jar of golden honeystock image shows a wooden table with a stalk of flax with one open blue-violet blossom and several buds or seed pods; at left front is a small wooden dish filled with tiny oval brown flax seeds; at rear to the right is a clear jar of golden honey