A touch of blue - the flax blossom is here

Is your flax flowering yet?
From the end of May, a special phase begins for many flax fields: the flowering period. While the plants' height growth now slows down, they invest their energy in the development of flowers and seeds - a key step in the life cycle of the flax plant.

How the flowering process works

A special feature: each flax flower only opens once - in the morning. It closes again around midday. However, as each plant forms several buds, the field does not bloom all at once, but over a period of up to two weeks. The most beautiful moment is usually in the middle of this phase, when a particularly large number of flowers are open at the same time.

Why the flowering time is important

Flowering shows that the plant is ready to form seeds. This is crucial for the subsequent harvest - both for the fibres and for the linseed. Flax is self-pollinating, but bees and other pollinators also like to visit the flowers and contribute to the vitality of the field.

What you can do now

• Go to the field in the morning: The flowers open early - if you want to experience the sight, you should visit between 6 and 9 am.
• Observe changes: New flowers appear every day. After flowering, the fruit capsules form - a visible sign of seed development.
• Take photos: Now is the ideal time to document your flax field - morning dew or soft light in particular create a great atmosphere.

A look back: What does "Fahrt ins Blaue" actually mean?

The phrase "a trip into the blue" has its origins in the historical cultivation of flax, among other things:

Historically, it used to refer to excursions to flax fields in bloom - with their pale blue flowers, the fields looked like a sea in the open air. In the vernacular, the phrase later came to stand for a spontaneous excursion into nature - without a fixed destination, but with the desire for relaxation and discovery.

Perhaps your next visit to the flax field will be a little trip into the blue?

What if your flax hasn't flowered yet?

No need to worry - this is quite normal. The exact timing depends on many factors, such as the weather or location. Even if your flax doesn't flower until June, this is completely unproblematic. Nature has its own timetable.

What happens next?

At the beginning of July you will receive an e-mail with further information on preparing for the harvest.
Until then, it's a case of checking in regularly, monitoring progress - and taking and sharing photos.

We look forward to your impressions of the flowering period!