How to Grow Flax From Seeds in New Zealand

You can grow flax in New Zealand with a little work.

Flax is a crop available in many different varieties. Oilseed and fiber flax are the most common types, although hybrid varieties are available. New Zealand has its own type of flax, which is different to Northern Hemisphere flax, and is not from the same genus as what is commonly known as flax. This article concerns the growing of Northern Hemisphere flax (Linum usitatissimum) in New Zealand, which is suited to the climate and the soils of both North and South Island.

Things You'll Need

• Flax seeds
• Field
• Nitrates

Instructions

1. Find an area of land which is well drained. Flax will not grow in areas which are poorly drained. As a rule of thumb, if you can grow oats or wheat in an area, you will be able to grow flax. Choose an area where you are concentrating solely on flax, as it has the capacity to overwhelm an area and overtake other plants.

2. Plant your flax seeds at the right time of year. According to the Jefferson Institute, if you were in Missouri, you should plant your flax in late March or early April, which is when temperatures are between 41 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. This would equate to planting in late August if you live in the North Island, or early September on South Island. If the weather is particularly cold, wait until it has become milder before you plant.

3. Seed the ground to 50 pounds of seed per acre. Plant the seeds between 1/2 an inch and 1 inch below the surface, in rows seperated by 6 inches. If you are seeding fiber seed flax, then you should aim for nearer 100 pounds per acre.

4. Fertilize the flax regularly, to allow the nutrients to grow. Use as much nitrate fertilizer per acre as you did with seeds. Potassium and phosphorus supplements should be based on the soil type.

5. Maintain your flax by spraying with pesticides. Since flax does not produce wide leaves, weeds can gain access to sunlight. Regularly spraying weedkilling and insect-killing pesticides will keep your flax growing. Harvest your flax at the end of December or beginning of January, depending on its height and when you planted it.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not grow flax in the same field for two years in a row, as this can cause disease. Instead, rotate your crops. Many farmers in Missouri grow buckwheat in the mid- to late summer after the flax harvest. This way you can double the growing value of your land.

References

• Jefferson Institute: Growing Flax