Flax (Linum usitatissimum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Flax on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Linaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Flax
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is an annual herbaceous plant, known for its slender stems and delicate blue flowers that bloom in summer. Its seed capsules are an important source of fiber and oil. It is ideal for cultivation in vegetable gardens or as an ornamental plant in country-style gardens, adding an ethereal touch with its subtle blossoms.
Native range
Eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods. It prefers well-drained soils, from slightly acidic to neutral. A common mistake is insufficient spacing, as it needs good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
How to save a dying Flax
- Warning signs
- Yellowing/browning leaves from base, soft stems, general wilting, no flowering or seeds.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture; if waterlogged, repot into dry soil. Protect from extreme heat.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and poor drainage, causing root rot. Also intense heat and direct sun without acclimatization.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if rot isn't too advanced and some stems are healthy. Act quickly to correct waterlogging.