Flax seed

Flax seed microgreens are one of the most nutrient dense microgreens to grow.

Linum usitatissimum also known as linseed, mostly cultivated for its seeds and typically seeds are ground into a seed oil. The full-grown flax plant has a gorgeous blue flower, and the edible seeds are inside the dry capsules that hang on the plant. The seeds occur in two colours, brown or yellow.

The microgreens of the flax seed are a small white and green stem with bright green leaves and a mild nutty flavour with a high nutrition value, including large quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, thiamine, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. As well as vitamins A, B, C, and E, calcium, iron, and antioxidants.

Difficulty level: Easy

Germination: 2-3 days

Total grow: 12-14 days

1. Lay a thin layer of moist coco peat and perlite mixture in a tray, about half the depth of the tray. Mist the surface of the grow medium.
2. Cover the surface area with seeds. Roughly 25 grams for a standard 27x52x3cm grow tray.
3. Press down firmly and mist with water.
4. Ad another tray (preferably without holes) on top of the seeds ad weight in the form of a thin tile or small stone. This helps to form strong roots and get rid of unwanted seed hulls.
5. Keep wet with a spray bottle until all seeds have germinated. Remove top tray and flip over to place greens into blackout. This helps the stems to lengthen.
6. After about 2 days place the tray into light. This could be into artificial light, sunlight. An exposed windowsill will work just fine.
7. Make sure they have enough water each day. They should be ready between 12 and 14 days

Growing Tip:

Do not soak seeds before planting as they form a jelly mass when exposed to water.

Be careful not to over water as dampening off may occur.

Uses:

Flax is a good source of many nutrients, including protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, thiamine, and copper.

Primarily used in the paper and pulp industry to produce fiber for clothing and linen or the production of linseed/flax seed oil, which is a critical component in drying oil in paints and varnish as well as for the health benefits for human consumption.

Origin:

It is native to the region extending from the eastern Mediterranean to India and was probably first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent.