Flax Blue Wildflower Seed

Approximate seeds per pound: 328,800
Seeding rate: Plant blue flax wildflower seed at 7 pounds per acre
Height: Typically it grows 12 - 18" tall
Flower Spread: Blue flax will spread 12 - 18"
Flower Color: Pale pastel blue
Plant Type: Perennial. Returns each spring from same roots, forming expanding clump. Blooms second spring from seed.
Flower Type: Small simple flowers
Bloom Time: Late spring to late summer
Is blue flax wildflower invasive? No
Is blue flax wildflower endangered? No
Is blue flax wildflower edible? No
Is blue flax wildflower medicinal? No
Regions: Native to plains regions, but can be grown in all regions.
Zones: 5 - 9
Soil preference: Adaptable, but prefers loose, sandy soil.
Sun/Shade: Full sun
Moisture Requirements: Average moisture, well-drained.
Germination: 20 - 30 days
Optimum soil temperature for germination: 65F - 70F
Sowing depth: 1/8"

Blue Flax is a perennial flower which will bloom the second year from wild flower seed. It grows from tough, expanding clumps. It will grow in all regions of North America. Prefers full sun, and loose, dry soil, but it is very adaptable. Blue flax may be planted from wildflower seed in be planted in spring or fall. Each bloom only lasts a day, but a new flower will open each day to take its place. Blue Flax forms mounds of blue-green foliage with pretty blue flowers.

The clear blue flowers that appear in late spring are the hallmarks of perennial flax. Clusters of buds typically droop at the branching ends of the slim stems. They open to inch wide, 5 petalled flowers. Buds bloom successively over the weeks, opening in the early mornings just before dawn. Unless the day is overcast, the fully open flowers drop their petals by midday. A new round of bloom follows each day through to mid-summer. Because these plants produce a profusion of buds, there are always plenty of flowers during its bloom season for blue flax. Blue flax will drop its wild flower seed to reseed itself the following spring.

Blue Flax wildflowers do best on well-drained soils. Most ecotypes do well on infertile, disturbed soils. They have excellent cold winter and drought tolerance. This wildflower prefers a soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.5. Wildflower seed plants are usually found in open areas, but will tolerate semi-shaded conditions. They are fire resistant due to leaves and stems staying green with relatively high moisture content during most of the fire season.

The best seeding results are obtained from seeding in late fall to very early spring on heavy to medium textured soils and in late fall on medium to light textured soils. Late summer (August - mid September) seeding is not recommended. Dormant fall seedings (preferred seeding period for flax) will pre-chill seed and reduce seed dormancy which may be present. Mulching, irrigation, and weed control all benefit stand establishment. Blue Flax seedling vigor is good, but not as good as most grasses. You may get nice blooms the first growing season, but full bloom onset should not be expected until the second year when planting this wildflower seed.