Flax Seeds for Omega-3 Rich Seeds, Fiber & Ornamental Blue Flowers

Flax Seeds

People grow flax for the nutritious seeds, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, used in food and as a source of oil. They also grow flax for its strong, durable fibers, which are processed into linen for textiles and paper. The plant offers an industrial alternative to petroleum products, a way to produce high-quality animal feed, and is a sustainable crop choice requiring fewer pesticides and less water than other fibers.

Linum usitatissimum, or common flax, is a useful plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is grown for both its fiber and its seeds. The fiber from its stems is used to make linen cloth, while linseed oil is derived from its seeds. Flax seeds are also edible and contain important nutrients. This annual plant grows to 3 feet tall before developing short-lived sky-blue flowers. Although flax is often grown as a large-scale production crop, it can also be grown in small garden plots.

Useful gardening information

Flax plants need full sun, so it is best to have a site that is not shadowed by surrounding buildings or trees. The soil must be fertile and drain well. Flax likes moist growing conditions, but it won't grow well in soggy soil. It helps to increase the nutrient content of the planting bed by working compost into the soil prior to planting. Although flax grows best in well-worked soil, it must also be firm, so tamp down the soil before planting seeds.

This cool-weather plant likes to start while the ground is still cold. Plant the seeds as soon as possible after the last frost of the season. Flax grows best when the plants are grown close together, about 40 plants per square foot. One tablespoon of flax seed is enough for 10 square feet of garden space. Sprinkle the seeds over the prepared seedbed; the small seeds will scatter more evenly if they are first dusted with flour. After the seeds are scattered, raking the soil lightly will bury the seeds about one-quarter to one-half inch deep. The soil requires moisture after burying the seeds and until germination. The seeds will germinate and begin sending up sprouts in about 10 days.

Links to useful information on the web:

Flax seed benefits

10 tasty ways to eat flax seed

TPF277 Omega Flax ( Linum usitatissium )

A highly nutritious and versatile crop grown for its omega-3-rich seeds, attractive blue flowers, and numerous culinary, nutritional, and agricultural uses. Cultivated for thousands of years, flax is one of humanity's oldest useful plants and continues to be valued worldwide as both a food crop and a source of natural fiber.

During the growing season, Omega Flax produces slender stems topped with delicate sky-blue flowers that create a beautiful display in the garden. Although individual flowers last only a day, plants bloom continuously over an extended period, providing weeks of color and attracting bees and other pollinators.

The real treasure of Omega Flax lies in its seeds. Flaxseed is one of nature's richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids and is widely used in cereals, breads, smoothies, baked goods, nutrition bars, and health food recipes. The seeds are also valued for their fiber, protein, antioxidants, and nutritional benefits.

Historically, flax has been one of the world's most important crops. The fibers extracted from its stems were traditionally used to produce linen, one of the oldest textiles known to civilization. Today, flax remains a popular crop for gardeners interested in nutrition, self-sufficiency, homesteading, and heritage plants.

Uses and Benefits

Produces highly nutritious omega-3-rich seeds.
Excellent source of dietary fiber.
Rich in protein and beneficial plant compounds.
Beautiful sky-blue flowers.
Attracts bees and pollinators.
Traditional source of linen fiber.
Excellent addition to homestead gardens.
Useful for self-sufficiency and sustainable gardening.
Easy to grow from seed.
Suitable for edible landscapes.
Historically important heritage crop.
Provides both ornamental and practical value.

Hardiness Zones

Omega Flax is typically grown as an annual in all USDA Zones.

Germination Instructions

Sow seeds directly outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring.
Plant seeds approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Maintain soil temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C).
Keep soil evenly moist during germination.
Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
Thin seedlings as needed to prevent overcrowding.
Direct sowing is preferred for best results.

Growing Tips

Plant in full sun.
Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
Requires relatively little maintenance once established.
Water during extended dry periods.
Allow seed capsules to mature fully before harvesting.
Excellent for field plantings, edible landscapes, and homestead gardens.
Plant in groups for the most attractive floral display.

Container Growing

While flax can technically be grown in containers, it is generally not considered an ideal container plant. Omega Flax develops a deep root system and is most productive when grown directly in garden soil where roots can fully develop. For best seed yields and healthiest plants, field plantings, raised beds, or traditional garden rows are recommended over container culture.

Combining beautiful blue flowers, nutritious omega-3-rich seeds, historical significance, and practical usefulness, Omega Flax remains one of the most rewarding crops for gardeners interested in food production, self-sufficiency, and sustainable living. Few plants offer such a remarkable combination of beauty, nutrition, and history.

Other Varieties of Flax

1A427 Blue Flax ( Linum lewisii )

A 2-3 foot perennial with delicate leaves and true blue sky flowers from Mar. to Sept. Native to middle to high elevations, Alaska to southern California. A good garden flower. Showy, every morning it covers itself with 1" blue flowers, hundreds per day. The leaves themselves stay at 18" or so but the flowers arise above making a total arching display 3' or so high. Use in perennial garden, rock garden, or even in a container. In areas where the snow is on the ground until March to June this plant will flower all summer.
Blue Flax was discovered by Meriwether Lewis on the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the late 1700's, thus the name. For zones 3-10.

Seedman Basic Info:
Grows about 12 to 24 inches tall, will germinate in about 15-60 days depending on soil and weather conditions, germinates best if soil temperature is in the 65-70°F range.
Cover seeds about 1/16" deep, blooms from May to September.

All seed packets listed on this page are in stock and ready to ship.