How to Grow Linum

The Linum species we offer are annual flowering flax. They are beautiful and easy and suitable for large containers. Linum grandiflorum is native to Algeria. Linum usitatissimum is thought to be native to central Asia. All species are attractive to pollinators and other beneficial insects. Continue reading below for tips on how to grow Linum from seed.

Latin
Linum sp.
Family: Linaceae

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun

Timing
Direct sow after last frost date. Sow more seeds every two to three weeks for successive blooming. If starting seeds indoors is absolutely necessary, use peat pots and harden off seedlings carefully to avoid transplant shock.

Starting
Sow seeds by barely covering them to a depth of 5mm (1/8″). Seeds germinate in 20 to 25 days. Thin seedlings to 15cm (6″) apart.

Growing
Cut back about half of the flowering stems in early summer to extend the blooming period. Grow in any well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0 and avoid fertilizer and manure. Rich soil reduces blooming. Linum dislikes root disturbance, so it is not suitable for transplanting – it’s better to simply sow more seeds.

Linum grandiflorum is harmful if eaten, but the seeds of L. usitatissimum can be quite nutritious.