Flax Seeds

Close up of a few light blue/periwinkle flowers with 5 petals and a yellow center on a branch with seeds.

Fast Facts

BOTANICAL NAME
Linum
LIFE CYCLE
Annual
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Full Sun
BLOOM SEASON
Spring through Fall
PLANTING SEASON
Spring and Fall
WATER NEEDS
Low

About Flax

Flax is easy to grow from seed and surprisingly adaptable to a range of conditions. A classic for the Cottage Garden look, flax is also 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 the Spring. Seedlings with at least two leaves can survive a late-season frost. In temperate climates, an early-Fall planting is an option as well.

Where to Plant Flax Seeds

Grow flax in Full-Sun and rich, well-draining soil. Although flax can be adaptable when it comes to soil types, it’s best to Amend the soil in your planting area with organic matter, compost, or manure when the soil is poor. Flax can struggle in clay or wet soil.

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 required, Perennial Flax seeds can benefit from a special 4 to 8 week treatment called cold stratification prior to planting them. Learn more about the importance and process of cold stratification here.

Direct sow seeds onto the surface of the soil via broadcast, and compress. Do not cover the seeds as they require sunlight to germinate. Water well after seeds are sown.

How to Care for Flax

Once established, Flax requires little care. While not requiring staking, Flax does sport spindly stalks, so support from companion plants can be beneficial. Collect seeds at the end of the season to broadcast for future planting, and clear growth once it dies back.

Companion Plants

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Customer Photos

Variety Specific Planting Guides