Scarlet flax is a hardy annual wildflower native to Algeria that has naturalized in many regions of the world with similar climates. The plants will return for years to come by re-seeding abundantly if kept happy. The blooming period last eight to twelve weeks, from mid-summer into fall and the blooms are more dramatic when planted en masse.

The plants grow to 12-18 inches in height and the bushy branches bear an abundance of tiny, cup-shaped, bright red flowers measuring ½ inch to 1 inch wide with a red-black centre. A great annual addition to add to garden beds and meadows, Scarlet Flax are beautiful in fresh-cut bouquets.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Flax is a fast-growing perennial that produces dainty blue blossoms and slender green leaves, maturing in its second season of growth. Some flowers may pop out during the first summer, but an explosion of the tiny blue blooms can be expected the following year. Dense, directly-sown plantings do well as meadows and wild-grown flowers left to naturalize. The short-lived flowers last about a day and then turn into seed pods containing small, dark flax seeds.

Flax is easy to start from seed when provided ideal conditions. Sow directly outside in the spring when the danger of frost has passed. Starting seeds indoors is not recommended, as flax will not transplant well into the garden. If you decide to try starting seeds inside, time it so they can be transplanted as young seedlings to avoid any major root disturbance.

Flax will adapt to most climates readily, but don’t do particularly well in hot, humid climates. To prepare the garden bed, remove any weeds, grass and rocks and loosen the soil 15 cm deep with a garden hoe or tined cultivator. Rake out the soil so that it’s smooth and level. 

Seeds can be scattered densely and thinned later or planted in rows 10-15 cm apart. Rows can be spaced 30-45 cm apart. Sow the seeds and cover very lightly with fine soil or compost. They will need the sunlight to germinate. Mist the soil until it’s damp and keep it moist while seeds germinate and get established. Seeds should start sprouting in two to three weeks. Seedlings can be thinned to 15-30 cm apart.

Flax will thrive when provided with a well-sheltered, full-sun site. It prefers light, sandy, well-drained soil. If the soil condition is poor, work in some compost to feed flax through the season. Evenly moist soil is required for flax to get established, but otherwise will tolerate dry conditions well. Mulch could be used in especially hot areas to retain moisture and keep down weeds. Overall, flax will grow best in cool, wet conditions.

Be sure to remove any competing weeds while flax is getting established. The plant can be cut back by half after their first bloom in hopes of getting another set of flowers. Mature plants can reach up to 90 cm in height and 45 cm in width.

After the first year, the plants will have developed a hardy winter root system to prepare for the cold, returning stronger the following season. Flax will also self-seed and sprout up again in the same spot next spring.

The blossoms are durable and beautiful, and the by-products of flax are numerous.

QUICK FACTS

- There are two types of flax seeds, brown and golden, and they are both used as a food and a fiber crop.

- Flax fibers are used in industry for paper for cigarettes, tea bags and bank notes.

- Flax has been used in the manufacturing of linens for thousands of years, dating back to Ancient Egypt.

- Linum seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.