Scarlet Flax in Zone 9a & 9b
Linum grandiflorum
Yes, scarlet flax grows in zones 9a and 9b. Plant it outside Feb 15–Feb 22.
When to plant scarlet flax in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b share the same average frost dates, so this page covers both.
Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. It doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.
| Start indoors | Not typically started indoors |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 15–Feb 22 |
| Estimated bloom | Apr 26–May 3 (~70 days after direct-sowing) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1-1.5 ft.
Plant alongside it in zone 9b
These go outside within two weeks of scarlet flax in zone 9b, so one planting day can cover them.
- NasturtiumFeb 22–Mar 1
- MarigoldFeb 22–Mar 1
- African DaisyFeb 15–Feb 22
- Amaranthus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)Feb 15–Feb 22
- Ammi (False Queen Anne's Lace)Feb 15–Feb 22
- Ammobium (Winged Everlasting)Feb 15–Feb 22
Scarlet flax is a wispy annual whose individual flowers last a single day. The plant compensates by producing a great many of them.
How scarlet flax fits zone 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. Scarlet flax needs about 70 days from sowing to first bloom.
Scarlet Flax planting windows in every zone
Zone 9b is highlighted. Useful for comparing against a neighbouring zone, or for a garden somewhere else.
| Zone | Start indoors | Sow or plant out | Bloom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4a & 4b | Not usually | May 15–May 22 | Jul 24–Jul 31 |
| 5a & 5b | Not usually | May 10–May 17 | Jul 19–Jul 26 |
| 6a & 6b | Not usually | Apr 25–May 2 | Jul 4–Jul 11 |
| 7a & 7b | Not usually | Apr 10–Apr 17 | Jun 19–Jun 26 |
| 8a & 8b | Not usually | Mar 25–Apr 1 | Jun 3–Jun 10 |
| 9a & 9b (your zone) | Not usually | Feb 15–Feb 22 | Apr 26–May 3 |
Bloom dates are about 70 days after the sow or plant-out date.
Good companions
No well-established companions for scarlet flax.
Where to buy scarlet flax seeds
Botanical Interests · True Leaf Market (scarlet flax seeds)
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing scarlet flax" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 9b calendar · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Scarlet Flax in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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