Linen is a herbaceous plant that can be either annual or perennial, depending on the variety. Perennial flax, for example, from the Dutch company Hem Zaden BV, features delicate blue five-petaled flowers about 2 cm in diameter and plant height up to 50 cm. Its leaves are small, linear-lanceolate, and arranged alternately. Flowering begins in the second year after sowing, with each flower lasting only one day, but constantly replaced by new ones, ensuring a prolonged blooming period in June-July. For planting perennial flax, it is recommended to sow seeds in late autumn or early spring, and it can also be propagated by dividing the plant in April or August, leaving about 20 cm between plants. Annual large-flowered flax has a spreading bush up to 50 cm tall, with an upright, branching stem covered with sessile alternate leaves tapering to a point. Flowers are larger, reaching up to 3 cm in diameter, and have diverse colors: carmine-red, white with red eyes, and blue. They are arranged in loose, umbellate clusters that close on cloudy days and fully open under sunlight. The flowering period lasts from early spring to mid-October. To prolong flowering, it is recommended to periodically cut immature seed pods, thereby stimulating the formation of new flowers. This variety of flax is suitable for decorating borders, alpine slopes, and for cutting. In addition to its decorative properties, flax is widely used in agriculture. Popular varieties such as 'Bogatyr', 'Vodograi', and 'Orpheus' are distinguished by high yield and quality of fibers and seeds. Linseed is used for producing textiles, paper, and food products, making the plant versatile and valuable for both decorative and industrial cultivation.
