How to Grow Flax (Linum): True Blue Flowers, Food, Fiber, and Medicine

How to Grow Flax (Linum)

Flax (Linum perenne lewisii) is a versatile perennial: one of the few true-blue flowers, a health food (Omega-3, heart, cholesterol, cancer), a fiber crop (linen, rope, lace), and a herb. Native to India; Pilgrims brought it for food, oil, and cloth. 18–30 inches. Delicate foliage, summer blue blooms. Best in groups; wildflower meadows, containers.

National flower of Belarus.

Medicinal & Culinary

Seeds: herbal teas, low-carb flour, linseed oil, sprouts for salads.

Propagation

Sow seeds early, cover ⅛ inch. Keep moist. Spring sow = bloom next year. Fall sow = spring bloom. Space 10–12 inches. Germinates 20–30 days.

How to Grow Flax

• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Rich preferred; amend if needed.
• Water: Moist, not wet.
• Fertilizer: Monthly.
• Maintenance: Mulch. Prune for air circulation. Harvest seeds after bloom for tea/food.

Bloom Time

Spring and summer.

Pests & Diseases

Susceptible to fungal diseases, blights, rusts. Prune for air flow, keep water off foliage, fungicide as needed.