Flax Skyscraper seeds - Linum usitatissimum

The Annual Flax 'Skyscraper' comes from the species Linum usitatissimum or Cultivated Flax. In addition to its ornamental aspect with its light and dancing azure blue flowers, it is an old variety from which one can obtain flax fibres and flax seeds. It is a textile flax that reaches approximately 90 cm in height, which is equally suitable for seed and oil production. Grow in a garden plot or mixed with perennials and annuals for its ornamental qualities. It can be sown directly in the ground, in well-drained, rich, and light soil.

Linum usitatissimum or Cultivated Flax is a hardy annual plant from the flax family. It is mainly found in temperate and subtropical regions of the northern hemisphere. Cultivated flax, Linum usitatissimum, is closely related to wild flax, Linum bienne. Morphological, genetic, and molecular studies indicate that Linum bienne is the wild ancestor of L. usitatissimum. Domestication has led to major modifications, such as the appearance of larger seeds richer in oil, as well as longer stems with a high proportion of long fibres. Flax fibres are used to make fabrics, ropes, or even construction materials due to their insulating properties. Linseed oil, extracted from its seeds, is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6. It is used in cosmetics, pharmacy, and food.

The linseed's vegetative cycle allows it to germinate, grow, bloom, and reproduce before the arrival of intense heat in southern regions. In damper climates, it blooms all summer tirelessly. The 'Skyscraper' variety forms clumps with an upright habit in a few months, made of stems branching from the base, quickly reaching 90 cm in height and 40 to 50 cm in width. Its leaves are small, thin, lanceolate, with a bluish-green glaucous colour. The flat and round cup-shaped flowers measure 2 to 3 cm in diameter, formed by 5 sky-blue petals with a satin-like appearance, around a small yellow heart. Each flower lasts only a day, but they renew from early summer to autumn in moist soil. This plant readily self-seeds in light soils.

The Annual Flax 'Skyscraper' is a sun-loving plant that adapts to many climates. It should be sown directly in the ground, in a dedicated plot or in sunny beds and rockeries. Its ornamental qualities create rustic scenes or natural areas with Love-in-a-Mist, Toothpick Plant, Californian Poppies, among perennials or small bushes. Other companions include Linaria maroccana, baby's breath, or poppies. Its blue flowers are charming next to the red, pink, or white spikes of Red Valerian. This annual also complements the swaying foliage of grasses such as Fountain Grass, Stipa, or Muhlenbergia. It is placed in borders, planters, or even in a flowery meadow. Its lightness enhances the opulent flowers of Peonies and Roses, in the garden as well as in a vase.