How to Grow Perennial Blue Flax (Linum Perenna)

Blue flax's namesake-color flowers bloom on delicate stems in spring and summer. They'll add a light touch to the garden.

Things You'll Need

• Bypass Pruners
• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Mulch
• Plants

Instructions

Choosing Perennial Blue Flax

1. Buy perennial blue flax in 4-inch to 1-gallon containers.

2. Look for flax in spring and summer at nurseries.

3. Choose healthy-looking plants with signs of new growth in leaf and flower.

Caring for Perennial Blue Flax

1. Cut back old stems in early spring to within 2 inches of the ground using bypass pruners.

2. Apply a light application of organic fertilizer to the top of the soil in early spring; follow directions on the package.

3. Mulch around but not on top of the plant in early spring with 3 inches of organic compost.

4. Cut stems back after flowering to within 3 or 4 inches of the ground using bypass pruners to get fresh, neat growth.

Planting Perennial Blue Flax

1. Plant in full sun or, in hot climates, in part shade.

2. Choose a spot with well-drained soil; make sure the plant won't sit in soggy soil in winter.

3. Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

4. Set the plants no deeper than they were in the containers.

5. Place the plants 6 inches apart.

6. Mulch around but not on top of the plant with 3 inches of organic compost.

7. Water well until the soil is completely moist.