Scarlet Flax is a vigorous annual wildflower that brings 2-inch blooms of vibrant scarlet and crimson to gardens across hardiness zones 1 through 10. Standing 18 to 24 inches tall with airy, refined foliage, this African native reaches full flowering beauty in 70 to 79 days, making it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking quick color without fuss. It thrives in full sun and tolerates frost, returning reliable performance year after year in dry and temperate climates where other ornamentals might struggle.
Full Sun
Moderate
1-10
24in H x ?in W
—
Low
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The flowers themselves are the show here, jewel-toned scarlet blooms that seem almost impossibly brilliant against delicate stems. These are genuine wildflower proportions, too, each bloom stretching a full 2 inches across, making them visible from across the garden even on distant viewing. For gardeners new to flowers or working with children, Scarlet Flax practically grows itself, thriving in vigorous full sun without coddling while tolerating poor soil that would defeat more finicky ornamentals.
Scarlet Flax is grown purely as an ornamental flower, chosen for its ability to fill garden beds and containers with bold color from mid-summer onward. The flowers work beautifully in fresh arrangements, capturing that brilliant scarlet intensity indoors for several days. Gardeners often broadcast seed directly into beds or pots for a naturalized, wildflower effect rather than arranging plants in rigid rows.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected spring frost, sowing at a depth of 1/8 inch in trays kept between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 10 days. Seedlings are vigorous and grow quickly; thin to strong individuals and pot up into individual containers once true leaves appear.
Harden off seedlings over 7 to 10 days by exposing them gradually to outdoor conditions. Transplant after the danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed to at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant at the same depth they were growing in containers, spacing 12 inches apart in rows 36 inches distant. Water gently to settle soil around the root ball.
Direct sow seeds outdoors once soil has warmed and the heaviest spring frosts have passed. Scatter seeds over prepared, well-draining soil and rake lightly to just cover. Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge and establish their first true leaves, typically 10 to 14 days. Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart once they're large enough to handle.
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