Middle Eastern countries were cultivating flax by 5,000 B.C. Growing flax and turning it into linen is discussed in Exodus 9:31, Proverbs 31:13, and Joshua 2:6. Linen is mentioned as being used for clothing by the rulers and wealthy citizens Genesis 41:42 and Luke 16:19. Tabernacle wall hangings were made of linen according to Exodus 25:4. In Ezekiel 27:7, we learn that ship sails were made of linen. John 19:40 tells us that the dead were wrapped in linen.

Cultivation

Flax is widely naturalized over North America. It is winter hardy down to -30°F. Treat as an annual or a very short-lived perennial. Avoid heavy clay soils. Watch for grasshoppers and cutworms that may destroy your plants.

Bible References

Exodus 9:31: And the flax and the barley was smitten: for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was bolled.

Proverbs 31:13: She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

Joshua 2:6: But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.

Exodus 25:4: And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair …

Ezekiel 27:7: 7Fine linen with broidered work from Egypt was that which thou spreadest forth to be thy sail; blue and purple from the isles of Elishah was that which covered thee.

John 19:40: Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

Return to Enabling Bible Gardens

Return to Enabled Gardener

This entire website is copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2006-2012. Use of any page
in this website is prohibited by law without the expressed, written
permission of Diana Pederson.