9 Tactics To Grow Flax Seed

Want to grow flax seeds?

It’s easier than you think!

We have 9 simple tactics to help you out. From planting to care, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to get started?

Let’s grow flax seeds!

Get Quality Seeds

Water Regularly
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First things first, you’ll need to get good quality flax seeds. If you pick poor seeds, your plants won’t grow well, no matter how much you tend to them.

Go to a local nursery or a trusted online seed supplier. Make sure the seeds are organic and free from any chemicals.

Choose the Right Spot

Flax likes lots of sunlight. Pick a spot in your garden that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun each day.

Also, make sure the soil is well-draining. Wet and soggy soil isn’t flax-friendly.

If your garden doesn’t have good drainage, you might want to consider raised beds.

Prepare the Soil

Prepare the Soil
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Before planting, you need to prep the soil. Clear out any weeds and mix in some compost or well-decomposed manure.

Flax prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7). A little soil test kit will come in handy to check the pH levels before you plant.

Sow the Seeds

Once your soil is ready, it’s time to sow! Plant the flax seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.

Space them out roughly an inch apart. If you’re planting in rows, keep the rows around 12 inches apart.

Water the soil lightly after sowing to help the seeds settle in.

Water Regularly

Watch for Pests
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Flax seed plants need a good drink, but they don’t like to be overwatered. Water them evenly and regularly.

Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. A good trick is to water deeply once a week rather than shallowly every day.

Control the Weeds

Weeds compete with your flax for nutrients and light, so keep them in check. Regular weeding is essential, especially when the plants are young.

Mulching around your plants can help reduce weeds and maintain soil moisture.

Watch for Pests

Get Quality Seeds
Image: © mollyshomeguide.com (Visualized and enhanced using AI technology)

Flax is pretty resilient but keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars. Handpick any you see or use an organic insecticidal soap.

Also, watch out for fungal diseases. If you spot any, treat them with a suitable fungicide.

Time to Harvest

About 90 to 100 days after planting, your flax seeds will be ready for harvest. The plants will turn yellow and the seed pods will become more visible.

Pull the whole plant out by the roots and hang them upside down in a dry, warm area to dry out fully.

Store Your Seeds

Once the plants are dry, you can collect the seeds. Simply thresh the seed heads by hand or use a flail.

Store the seeds in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Now you’re ready to enjoy the fruits (or seeds) of your labor!

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