Description
Scarlet Flax Seeds 6930 (Linum rubrum). Open Pollinated. Hardy Annual.
Approx. 200 seeds/pkt (290 seeds/gram)
Intense Summer Colour and Effortless, Vibrant Blooms.
Scarlet Flax (Linum grandiflorum rubrum) is a hardy self-sowing annual prized for its brilliant, deep red flowers and rich green foliage. Native to North Africa and Southern Europe, this species is built for the sun and is exceptionally tolerant of dry, sandy soils. Reaching a tidy height of 45 cm, it provides an explosion of intense colour from late June through August. While each delicate bloom typically lasts only a single day, the plants are so prolific that the flowering remains continuous throughout the summer, creating a stunning “carpet” effect when massed.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 6930
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Type: Open Pollinated Hardy Annual
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Hardiness: Hardy Annual (Often self-sows for future seasons, appearing to return year after year.)
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Colour: Brilliant Scarlet Red
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Height: 45 cm
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Bloom Time: Late June through August
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Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade
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Features: Drought tolerant; provides quick, high-intensity colour; excellent for massing in borders.
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Scarlet Flax is a resilient, fast-growing plant that performs best in well-drained soil and sunny locations.
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Sow Outdoors (Recommended): Like its cousin Blue Flax, this variety does not transplant well. For the best results, direct sow in the garden in mid-May or in the late fall. Broadcast the seed lightly and cover with a very fine layer of soil.
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Sow Indoors: If starting indoors, use plantable peat or paper pots to minimize root disturbance. Start in mid-April, keeping the soil at 20°C.
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Germination: Fast and reliable; expect sprouts in 5 to 10 days.
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Spacing: In garden borders, thin seedlings to about 20 cm apart to maintain a tidy appearance and ensure good air circulation.
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Care: This is a low-maintenance variety that thrives on neglect. Avoid over-watering once established, as it prefers to stay on the drier side.
Why Scarlet Flax Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you are looking for a “high-reward” annual that requires very little effort, Scarlet Flax is the ideal choice. Its ability to thrive in dry conditions makes it perfect for those difficult sunny spots or rock gardens where other annuals might wilt. Its vivid scarlet hue offers a dramatic contrast to yellow or white wildflowers, and because it often self-seeds, you may find this beautiful “introduced” species returning to greet you year after year.
