Common Flax

What you'll need:

Common flax seeds (available at garden centers or online)

A patch of well-drained soil in your garden or a large pot

Basic garden soil (flax isn’t too picky, but loose, sandy soil works best)

A small amount of fertilizer (optional, but a general-purpose one is fine)

When to start:

Flax loves cooler weather, so early spring is perfect for planting. If you live in a warmer area, aim to plant when the soil temperature is around 50°F (10°C). Flax grows quickly, so don’t worry if it’s still a bit chilly.

Finding a good spot:

Flax doesn’t like shade, so make sure it gets plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours a day. It also prefers open spaces where the wind can help with pollination. If you’re using pots, ensure they have good drainage holes since flax dislikes soggy roots.

Tip: If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand to improve drainage.

1. Prepare the soil: Loosen up the soil by digging a few inches deep and breaking up any clumps. Remove weeds or rocks that might get in the way.
2. Sow the seeds: Sprinkle the tiny flax seeds evenly across the soil surface. You don’t need to bury them deep—just lightly press them into the soil or cover them with a thin layer of dirt (about ¼ inch deep).
3. Water gently: After sowing, give the soil a light watering. Remember, flax seeds are small, so avoid heavy water flow that could wash them away.
4. Spacing: If you're planting in rows, space them about 6-8 inches apart. If you’re scattering seeds in a bed, just make sure they aren’t too crowded.

Tip: Don’t overthink this step! Flax is pretty easygoing and will grow even if you scatter the seeds loosely.

Watering:

• Water your flax regularly, especially during dry spells. However, be careful not to overwater! Flax likes moist soil but hates being waterlogged. Aim to keep the soil damp but not soggy.
• Once the plants are established (after a few weeks), they won’t need as much water. You can reduce watering unless it’s very hot and dry.

Weeding:

• Keep an eye out for weeds when your flax is young. Weeds can steal nutrients and water from your plants, so pull them out gently when you see them.
• As the flax grows taller, it will naturally crowd out most weeds, so you won’t have to worry as much later on.

Feeding:

• Flax doesn’t require heavy feeding. If you want to give it a little boost, you can add a small amount of general-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. But honestly, flax usually does fine without much extra help.

Sunlight & Growth:

• Flax grows best when it gets full sun, so make sure your plants aren’t shaded by larger plants or structures.
• The plants will grow tall and slender, reaching about 2-3 feet high. They’ll also develop beautiful blue flowers after a few weeks!

Tip: If you notice your flax leaning or falling over, you can use stakes to support the taller plants.

When to harvest:

• Flax is ready to harvest when the plants turn yellow and the seed pods (little round balls) start to brown, usually around 90-100 days after planting.
• You’ll notice the stems turning woody and the leaves starting to drop off. This is a good sign that the seeds inside the pods are mature and ready to be collected.

How to harvest:

1. Cut the entire plant at the base using scissors or pruning shears.
2. Bundle a few plants together and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place to let the seeds fully dry.
3. Once completely dry, you can shake or gently crush the seed pods to release the flaxseeds.

Storing flax:

• Store the dried flaxseeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They’ll stay fresh for several months.
• If you’ve harvested the fiber-rich stems for crafting or textiles, you can ret (soak) them in water to soften the fibers before processing.

Tip: Not only can you eat the seeds, but you can also use the fibrous stems to make linen!

Q: Why are my flax plants turning yellow?

A: Yellowing can happen naturally as the plant matures and nears harvest time. However, if it happens too early, it could mean the plant is getting too much water or not enough nutrients. Check your watering schedule and consider adding a bit of fertilizer.

Q: Can I grow flax indoors?

A: Technically, yes, but it’s better suited for outdoor growing because it needs lots of sunlight and space to thrive. If you do try indoors, make sure it gets plenty of light from a sunny window or use grow lights.

Q: Do flax plants attract pests?

A: Flax is relatively pest-resistant, but occasionally aphids or caterpillars might show up. If you notice bugs, you can spray the plants with a mix of water and mild soap to deter them.

Q: What should I do if my flax is growing too close together?

A: Thin out the seedlings when they’re young by gently pulling out the weaker ones. Leave about 4-6 inches between each plant to give them room to grow properly.

Q: How long does flax take to grow?

A: Flax is a quick-growing plant! You’ll start seeing flowers within 6-8 weeks, and the seeds will be ready to harvest in about 90-100 days.