Flax

Growing

Since flax is a cool season crop, you should sow the seeds directly into the garden where they will grow, as they do not typically require transplanting. To ensure a successful harvest, focus on preparing a site with well-draining soil that is not waterlogged, maintaining a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Because the plant grows as a single upright stem, it is well-suited for container gardening if you provide regular watering.

When growing for seed, you can wait to harvest until the seed capsules have turned yellow and are just beginning to split. If you are harvesting for fiber, look for the bases of the plants to turn yellow; if the plants remain green, the seeds will not be useful and the fibers will be underdeveloped. Once the plants turn brown, the fiber quality begins to degrade.

After you harvest, keep the seeds unwashed to help maintain their quality. For long-term use, you can store your harvest in a dry, cool, dark cellar or at room temperature. If you are interested in the stalks, be aware that they are quite tough and decompose slowly, often requiring removal from the garden in the spring.