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An armload of Flax Bubble Grass
An armload of Flax Bubble Grass
Flax Bubble Grass growing in the field
A close up of Flax Bubble Grass
A close up of Flax Bubble Grass
A bunch of Flax Bubble Grass
A handful of Flax Bubble Grass

Flax ‘Bubble Grass’

Linum usitatissimum

Features

  • Dryable
  • Easy to grow
  • Foliage & Filler
  • One-hit wonder

Description

We’ve been growing flax (which we call bubble grass) for many years now, and I’m still head-over-heels in love with it. Its delicate, wandlike stems almost dance in bouquets. Stems are smothered in miniature periwinkle blue forget-me-not-like flowers. Though the flowers are adorable, they are short-lived, and as soon as petals drop, they leave behind small, glowing green beads. Flax makes a great textural addition to bouquets, can be used fresh or dried, and turns gold as it ages.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 40 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 50 to 60 days
Plant spacing: 6 in
Pinch: do not pinch

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Plants are very fast to flower, blooming in less than 2 months. If starting in trays, sow multiple seeds per cell or direct-seed into the garden. Don’t pinch plants.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest after flowers drop their petals and leave behind their seedpods. Expect a vase life of 10 days. Over time, the green pods fade to gold and can be dried. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Details

Description

We’ve been growing flax (which we call bubble grass) for many years now, and I’m still head-over-heels in love with it. Its delicate, wandlike stems almost dance in bouquets. Stems are smothered in miniature periwinkle blue forget-me-not-like flowers. Though the flowers are adorable, they are short-lived, and as soon as petals drop, they leave behind small, glowing green beads. Flax makes a great textural addition to bouquets, can be used fresh or dried, and turns gold as it ages.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 40 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 50 to 60 days
Plant spacing: 6 in
Pinch: do not pinch

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Plants are very fast to flower, blooming in less than 2 months. If starting in trays, sow multiple seeds per cell or direct-seed into the garden. Don’t pinch plants.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest after flowers drop their petals and leave behind their seedpods. Expect a vase life of 10 days. Over time, the green pods fade to gold and can be dried. To dry, hang freshly cut stems upside down in a warm, dark place for 2 to 3 weeks or until they are firm to the touch.

Sources

How to Grow

How to Grow

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Fabulous Foliages and Fillers

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Fabulous Foliages and Fillers
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Easy-to-grow Hardy Annuals
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Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Grasses, Grains, and Pods
Discovering Dried Flowers
Discovering Dried Flowers

Seed-Saving Mini Course

Learn how to save seed from zinnia, dahlia, and celosia

In our upcoming free, three-part video series, you’ll learn everything you need to know to save seeds on a home scale, including how plants are pollinated and isolation techniques to ensure varieties come back true, how to tell when plants are ready to pick and how to harvest the seeds, and how to properly dry, clean, and store seeds long term.