Seeds Flowers (Linum grandiflorum) Flowers

Scarlet flowering flax (Linum grandiflorum) is one of the easiest annuals to grow from seed, rewarding you with a long, generous show of colour. Its saucer-shaped blooms, about 4 cm across, glow in shades of rose-pink to brilliant scarlet, each set off by a deeper, dark centre. Slender and airy, the plant reaches roughly 10 to 50 cm tall and drifts beautifully through borders, wildflower beds and naturalistic plantings. Native to North Africa, it loves sun and suits Egyptian gardens wonderfully in the cool season.

Planting

Direct-sow where the plants are to grow, as flax dislikes transplanting and root disturbance. Barely cover the seed to about 5 mm deep, since light aids germination. In Egypt sow in the cool season, from autumn through the mild winter into early spring. Seedlings emerge in roughly 20 to 25 days, sometimes within 10 to 14 days in warm conditions. Thin to about 15 cm apart, and sow more seed every 2 to 3 weeks to extend the display.

Fertilizing

Keep it lean. Avoid added fertilizer and manure, as rich soil reduces flowering. Light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil gives the best blooms, and no routine feeding is needed through the season.

Care

Grow in full sun, six or more hours daily, in light, free-draining loam or sandy soil. Keep soil moist during germination, then water less as it becomes drought-tolerant. Cut back about half the stems by half in early summer to prolong bloom. Largely pest-free, though watch for slugs, snails and aphids.