- Flax is planted in early spring. Flax is tolerant to light frost, but later planting does not seem to effect yield too much.
- Sow 42-50 lbs. per acre.
- Management practices for oilseed flax are similar to that of spring oats. It is adapted to soils that are good for wheat or oats, but is not suited to poorly drained soils. Flax should not be grown in the same field every year, but instead should be rotated with other crops to reduce disease potential and improve yields.
- A great opportunity for flax may be in growing it as a double crop with buckwheat, thereby getting two crop incomes in one growing season
- A standard grain drill can be used with flax, planting it in narrow rows (preferably 6 inches or less)
- Optimum plant population for flax is 70 plants per square foot, with a minimum stand of 40 plants per square foot.
- Flax has moderate fertility needs, similar to that for spring oats. For nitrogen, 50 to 80 pounds per acre should be applied, using the lower figure following soybeans or another legume. Nitrogen needs can be met by organic sources such as manure or leguminous cover crops. Phosphorous and potassium should be based on soil test levels. Application rates can be the same as for oats or wheat
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