Common Flax, Brassicas

Common Flax Seed

Cool-season annual establishes multiple slender branching stems
Small taproots improve surface soil structure
Blue flowers add pollinator value before winter-killing
Useful for erosion control, fiber, or seed

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Linum usitatissimum

Days to maturity

90 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

500 Seeds

About Common, Flax Seed, Flax Seed

The Common Flax is a cool season annual broadleaf with small taproots and very small, narrow leaves that are less than an inch long. This variety's stems are branched near the base of the plant, with plants reaching 30 to 36 inches in height. The multiple stems or branches of a flax plant are slender and flexible, bearing attractive blue flowers.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/4"

Days to Germination

5–10 days

Row Spacing

Broadcast or Drill

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

36 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

4,375

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Flax benefits from a full-sun site with well-drained soil and good air circulation. Remove perennial weeds, loosen compacted ground, and incorporate modest compost without making the bed overly rich. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed. No seed pretreatment is normally required; use fresh seed and follow the sowing conditions in the Planting guidance.

Planting

Flax may be direct-sown in early spring, and many types also perform well from fall or winter sowing. Keep the surface evenly moist until seedlings establish, taking care not to bury light-requiring seed. Indoor starts need bright light and cool conditions. Thin direct-sown seedlings after true leaves appear, or transplant carefully before roots become crowded.

Watering

Flax needs consistent moisture during establishment but tolerates moderate dryness afterward. Water deeply during prolonged drought, allowing the upper soil to dry between applications.

Fertilizer

Flax needs only moderate feeding. Use diluted balanced fertilizer during active growth, following label rates and limiting nitrogen so plants remain compact and flower freely.

Harvesting

Harvest flax as buds begin opening or when blooms reach full color, depending on intended use. Cut above a branching point, place stems in water promptly, and remove spent flowers regularly.

Tips

Remove faded flax blooms before seed forms to encourage continued flowering. Shear lightly if plants become leggy, and protect containers from drying faster than garden beds.

AVG. Seeding Rate

1 lb./1,000 sq.ft.; 27–40 lb./acre

Pests & Diseases

Flax rust, Fusarium wilt, pasmo, and seedling blights can reduce stands and contaminate seed. Select resistant varieties and certified clean seed, rotate away from flax for several years, and destroy infected residue. Do not save seed from plants with stem lesions, wilt, or prematurely browned capsules.

Monitor flax for aphids, thrips, mites, beetles, slugs, and chewing caterpillars. Remove badly infested growth, use physical controls first, and apply labeled treatments outside pollinator-active hours.