Linum usitatissimum (Common flax)

Cultivation

Grow in humus-rich, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Keep the areas where flax is growing weed-free. If grown for fibers, harvest stems when the lower two-thirds of the stems have turned yellow and the leaves have fallen. If grown for seeds, harvest after the capsules have turned brown.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flavouring food and drinks

UK hardiness

H4

USDA zones

Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11

Sunset zone

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 1, 2, 3

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

Native to

Mediterranean, Western Asia

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic