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Flax fiber is one of the oldest textile material (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linen). Long line fiber is used for high end textiles. The tow resulting from the breaking, scutching, hackling and combing has been predominantly used for stuffing, paper and rougher textiles as well as many household uses. Some of the traditional and new uses for flax tow length fibers can be found on our “Potential Page”. In olden times shive had, and continues to have uses as can be found on our “Potential Page” .
Flax for fiber production is commercially seeded at 80 to 100 kgs/ha, with 120 kgs/ha producing fine even stems that will provide consistent and quicker retting than a lower seeding rate. Flax for fiber seed should be planted in a broadcast pattern to improve competition, if row seeding is the only option there will be no noticeable difference at a seeding rate higher than 80 kgs/ha. In the small scale operation, a one meter square plot should have 2,400 seeds (giving a 120 kg/ha seeding rate), a rule of thumb is to have a 10% extra seeding rate to reduce the chance of a lower germination rate due to seed storage, weather, or soil type. When seeding flax for fiber, 2,640 seeds (2,400 seeds plus 10%) generally equates to 13 to 14 grams per meter squared.
Flax for fiber needs good soil, good drainage and full sun. After spreading the seed, raking and packing will greatly improve your crop yield. Mist the area until germination. Harvest is approximately 95 to 100 days after it is sown.
For more information about hand harvesting of flax:
Joybilee Farm
We are presently NOT selling seed, please contact:
Richters Herbs
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