Flax (Linum usitatissimum) - 50 seeds. Germination tested, to grow in the garden.

Flaxseed, rich in fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids, is considered by many to be a wonder food that may reduce risk of serious health problems, including diabetes, liver disease, cancer, stroke, heart disease and depression. Growing your own flaxseed isn’t difficult, and the beauty of the plant is an added bonus.

How to Grow Flaxseed Plants

Linseed (otherwise known as flaxseed, or confusingly overseas sometimes as just “flax”) is a cool season plant, and seeds should be planted as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. A late frost won’t usually harm the plants once they emerge, as seedlings with at least two leaves can tolerate temperatures as low as -2 C.

Look for a sunny, sheltered planting site when planting flax from seed. Although flax will adapt to most well-drained soil types, rich soil is optimum. Dig in a generous amount of compost, manure or other organic matter, especially if your soil is poor.

Work the soil well and smooth it with a rake, then sprinkle the seeds evenly over the prepared soil at a rate of about 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds for every 10 square feet of planting space. Hint: Dusting the tiny seeds with flour before planting will make them easier to see.

Rake the soil lightly so the seeds are covered with no more than 1cm of soil, and then water the area, using a fine spray to prevent washing the seeds from the soil. Watch for the seeds to germinate in about 10 days.

Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil even moist, but not drenched. Once the plants are established, watering isn’t needed.

Usually, established flax plants will choke out weeds; however, regular weeding is critical when the plants are small. Work carefully, pulling by hand to avoid damaging the tiny flax roots.

Harvest the seeds by pulling entire plants by their roots. Bundle the stems and hang them in a dry place for three to five weeks, or until the seed heads are completely dry.