1. Variety selection
When choosing a flax variety, the following factors must be taken into account:
- Purpose of cultivation: Flax can be used as an oilseed, fiber or fodder crop. For each purpose, there are different varieties of flax that have certain properties.
- Plant height: Different varieties of flax differ in plant height. There are varieties that reach a height of 30 cm, and varieties that reach a height of 1 m.
- Stem Color: Flax stems come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow and brown.
2. Soil preparation
Flax is a cold-resistant and moisture-loving plant, so to grow it you need to prepare a well-drained place with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction.
The soil for planting flax must be fertile and have a pH of 6.5-7.5.
3. Landing
Flax can be grown by sowing seeds in open ground or by seedlings.
When sowing seeds in open ground, flax seeds are sown in the spring, when the soil temperature reaches +5 °C. The seeding depth is 1-2 cm.
When growing seedlings, flax seeds are sown in March-April in seedling boxes or containers. Shoots appear in 7-10 days. Seedlings are planted in separate pots or cups in the phase of 2-3 true leaves. Seedlings are planted in open ground in May-June, when the threat of frost has passed.
4. Plant care
Flax is an unpretentious plant, but to obtain good growth and development, the following measures must be taken:
- Watering: Flax is a moisture-loving plant, so during the growing season it is necessary to water the plants regularly, preventing the soil from drying out.
- Fertilizing: During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
- Weeding: It is necessary to weed regularly so that they do not choke the plants.
5. Harvest
Flax begins to bear fruit in July-August. Flax seeds are collected at the stage of full maturity, when they acquire a brown color.
Additional Tips
- To obtain an earlier harvest, flax can be grown as seedlings.
- To increase flax yields, you can sow seeds for several periods.