How to Grow Flax, A Flower, A Vegetable, a Herb

About Growing Flax in Your Home Garden

Flax, is it a flower? Is it a vegetable? Is it medicinal, and therefore, an herb? Officially it is classified as an herb. But, it is all of these and more. And, if you like blue flowers, then you will love growing flax flowers in your garden. And, you will certainly enjoy the medicinal uses of flax.

Flax is one of those versatile plants that have many uses: As a flower, for health and medicinal use, a grain crop, making fabrics, and much more. Most home gardeners view Flax as one of the very few “True Blue” flowers. To early American Pilgrims, flax was a food staple, put clothes on their back, and for many other uses.

Flax originated in India. It has been used for thousands of years. Pilgrims brought Flax to America. They used the seed for food and nutrition, and to make linseed oil. They used the fibers of the long, thin stems to make clothing, linen, and lace. Anso, it was used to make rope, twine, and a variety of other items.

Today, it is largely grown commercially in the U.S. to make Linseed Oil. Home gardeners highly value the real blue color of the flowers. Some home gardeners harvest the seed for consumption, especially in herbal teas.

Plants have clumps of delicate foliage, that give way to true blue flowers in the summer. Grow them in groups for the best effect. They are commonly used as a wildflower. Try them in containers, too.

Did you Know? Common flax is the national flower of Belarus.

Flax Plant Specifications

Flower Colors: The most popular colors are blue, lilac, and white. There are other colors.

Flowers Bloom: Flowers bloom from Spring to Early Summer.

Plant Height: 18″ – 30″.

Light Requirements: Full sun.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5.

Hardiness Zone: 2 – 11. This versatile plant grows well in most hardiness zones.

Toxicity: Non-toxic.

Native To: Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean.

Plant Type: Perennial

Botanical Name: Linum Perenne Lewsii

Other Names: Linseed

Flax Medicinal Uses

The medicinal uses of Flax herb are broad. It contains Omega-3, a fatty acid that helps fight many diseases. It contains healthy fats. Medicinal uses include:

Promotes heart health
Lowers cholesterol
Protects against strokes
Lowers blood pressure
Used for constipation
Helps guard against breast cancer and other cancers

Flax is a Healthy Source of Food and Nutrition

Flax is also a vegetable. The seeds and oil are edible. And, they ae good for you in many ways. Use the seeds raw or toasted. Use them in baked goods, cereal, salads, and smoothies. Here are some Flax vegetable examples:

Are used in herbal teas
Can be ground into a low-carb meal for making bread and dough.
The oil from the seeds makes linseed oil and can be used in cooking.
Sprouts are used in salads

Flax Flower Plant Propagation

Flax is grown from seeds. The seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden, or seeded indoors for transplanting later. Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with 1/8″ of fine garden or potting soil. Keep the soil lightly moist during the germination period.

Try sowing seeds early in the fall, and they will bloom the next spring.

Ideal plant spacing is 10″ -12″. The plants tolerate a little crowding.

Days to Germination: 20 – 30 days.

How to Grow Flax - Light Requirements

Grow Flax plants need full sunlight. Select a planting location where they will receive bright, direct sunlight all day long.

The plants will not grow successfully in shade. Even light to moderate shade affects plant performance.

How to Grow Flax Flower Plants

Grow Flax in full sun. They prefer rich soil. Mix in compost when planting, if your soil is not rich. Keep the soil moist, not wet. Add a general-purpose fertilizer when planting them, then once a month after that.

Flax is easy to grow. As wildflowers, they require little care. In the home garden, mulch around them to help retain soil moisture, and to keep the weeds down. Prune plants to promote good air circulation.

Be health smart…… After the flowers have bloomed, harvest the seeds and use them for herbal or culinary purposes.

Insects and Plant Disease

Flax is susceptible to a wide variety of fungal diseases, blights, and rusts. Pruning plants to increase air circulation, keeping water off the plant, and promoting overall health will help to minimize plant disease. Treat as needed with a fungicide.

Also see: Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.