Is Flax an Annual Growing Plant?

Annual Flax

• When grown for its crop properties, such as the oil that can be pressed for its seeds or the fibers that contribute to the making of linen, common flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an annual. Flax plants grow from 1 to 4 feet high and their spring-blooming flowers range from lighter to darker blues, depending on the variety. Some varieties are denoted oilseed flax and some fiber flax, depending on their use.

Perennial Flax

• A short-lived herbaceous perennial, perennial flax (Linum perenne) comes in a few different subspecies, all of which boast spring flowers in various shades of sky blue. Similar in appearance to chicory, it blooms from April to June and grows 1½ to 2 feet tall with a spread of about a foot to 1½ feet. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 8, it prefers full sun to part shade and medium water, but is also tolerant of dry soil and drought.

Culture

• Although annual flax seeding times vary depending on the species and its purpose, most varieties of flax are planted in early spring. For hobby growers at home, plant flax in the early spring when soil and air temperatures are still cool. Perennial flax seeds may be sown in the spring as well, and as they look best in masses, should be sown over a wide area. Some flowers may bloom the first year, though subsequent years will have showier blooms.

Garden Uses

• Again, if you are a devoted hobby gardener, you may grow flax for its seed or fiber properties -- if so, buy a variety suited to your purpose. Perennial flax can be used for its showy springtime flowers (in second year or later), and looks best along the borders of beds, the edges of meadows, in knot gardens or in naturescaping.