Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a cool-season annual that thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile loamy soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0. Overly rich soil produces excessive stem growth at the expense of seed yield. Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked — flax tolerates light frost and performs best in cool weather. Broadcast or drill seeds shallowly (1–1.5 cm deep) at a high density of approximately 200 seeds per square metre for fibre production (close spacing prevents branching and encourages tall straight stems), or at 80–100 seeds per square metre for seed production (more branching increases seed yield). Water moderately during establishment and flowering; reduce once seeds are setting. Do not fertilise with nitrogen during the growing season — a base dressing of phosphorus and potassium at sowing is sufficient. The entire growing cycle completes in 90–110 days.