Flax

Heliophila africana

Scientific name

A beautiful annual occurring in sandy flats.

It is important for insect species, including monkey beetles.

Propagation instructions

By seed

"In spite of their fragile appearance these little annuals have adapted to grow and flower abundantly in areas known for their heat and drought. Surviving the long dry summer as seeds, they germinate with the autumn rains, which is also the time to sow them. The seed can be scattered directly into garden beds or first sown in seed beds or seed trays. They should be planted out as soon as they are big enough to handle. The seed germinates well, usually within a week. The plants are easy to grow in the garden. They grow fast given the right conditions of full sun, well-drained soil and regular watering during the growing season. Heliophila look beautiful planted densely, giving a mass of blue, or they can be interspersed between other annuals, bulbs or shrubs."