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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

Fall Mini Course

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