Linum Rubrum Seeds – Red Flax Wildflower – Easy Grow Annual – Attracts Bees & Butterflies

🌱 Sowing & Growing Instructions – Linum Rubrum Seeds (Red Flax Wildflower)

Linum rubrum, also known as Red Flax, is a vibrant, pollinator-friendly annual wildflower perfect for borders, beds, meadows, and containers. These easy-to-grow flower seeds add a stunning splash of red to your garden and are loved by bees and butterflies.

🌼 When to Sow:
Sow outdoors from March to May or late summer to early autumn (August to September) for blooms the following year.

🌞 Where to Sow:
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot. Ideal for flower beds, cottage gardens, wildflower areas, and wildlife-friendly borders. Can also be grown in pots or containers.

🪻 How to Sow:

• Lightly rake soil to a fine tilth.

• Scatter seeds thinly over the surface.

• Press gently into the soil or lightly cover with a thin layer of compost – do not bury deeply.

• Water carefully with a fine spray to avoid disturbing the seeds.

🌿 Growing On:

• Germination takes 14–21 days.

• Thin seedlings to allow space (around 10–15cm apart).

• Keep soil moist during dry spells, but avoid overwatering.

🌺 Flowering Time:
June to September – produces masses of bright red flowers on delicate stems.

✅ Good Companions

These support pollination, visual contrast, and similar growing needs:

• Cornflower ‘Crown Double Strain’ – blue tones complement the red flax beautifully; both are pollinator-friendly.

• Cosmos ‘Sonata Series’ – soft, feathery foliage complements Linum’s upright habit.

• Nasturtium ‘Tom Thumb – Alaska Mixed’ – adds ground cover while contrasting foliage.

• Salvia farinacea (Victoria) – offers upright spires for height variation and attracts bees.

• Calendula ‘Art Shades’ – blooms over a long period, attracting beneficial insects.

🚫 Avoid Planting With

• Tall or invasive perennials (like mint or large ornamental grasses) – they may overshadow or smother Linum.

• Moisture-loving plants – Red Flax dislikes overly wet conditions.

🌱 Quick Tips

• Sow directly where they are to flower — they don’t like transplanting.

• Works well in wildflower borders, pollinator gardens, or cottage-style mixes.

• Avoid over-fertilising — this encourages leaf over flower.

🐝 Wildlife Friendly:
Perfect for pollinator gardens – attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Looking for some garden inspiration, why not take a look at our Garden Journal