Fibre flax is an annual plant that grows rapidly and reaches a height of 1 metre, depending on the variety, plant density, soil fertility and available moisture. Flax is self-pollinating. The life cycle of the flax plant consists of a 45 to 60 day vegetative period, a 15 to 25 day flowering period and a maturation period of 30 to 40 days.
What is flax used for?
Flax produces a strong thread used for sewing and for manufacturing netting, twine and towelling, as well as for weaving linen. Trials on the adaptation of various European fibre flax cultivars to the conditions prevailing in different parts of South Africa were recently carried out at different planting dates.
What is the yield of fibre flax?
Fibre flax is tough and durable and its cultivation presents no major difficulties. In favourable conditions, the yield per hectare can be 6 to 7 tonnes. Morphological differences between flax varieties are quite marked, depending upon whether the varieties are grown for seed or for fibre.
How do you grow textile flax?
The main object in cultivating textile flax is the production of fibre which is separated out (scutched) after the flax stalks have been prepared (retted). When the plant turns brown, fibre flax is harvested either by hand or lifted by machine, the seeds are removed and the stalks bundled and left to dry on the field.