Linum usitatissimum
Family: Linaceae
Annual. Native to temperate Europe and Asia. Flax is pretty
in the garden, with the added advantage of yielding a valuable seed crop.
Homegrown organic linseed is very tasty as an addition to breads or cereals,
and since rancidity can be a problem, it is very nice to grow your own
to assure that it is entirely fresh. If taken alone, supplement with
plenty of water. Linseed is a swellable fiber loaded with oil and
mucilage which soothe the intestinal tract and stimulate peristalsis.
Cultivation: Easy to grow. Cultivate an area of good
soil in the spring and strew the seed on the surface, working in with your
fingers. Pat down soil surface and water. The plant grows best
in a self-supporting patch, not in a carefully defined row. The distinctive
sprouts appear quickly and tend to out-distance weeds, as they grow quite
rapidly to 2 feet tall. One packet covers approximately 40 square
feet.
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