Flax, Sussex (Organic)
Linum usitatissimum.
A fairly tall flax at about 3′ that is good for fiber production. The brown seeds are noteworthy for their high alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega-3 fatty acid) content, as tested by the Irish Seed Savers Association. Eighteen varieties were tested with polyunsaturated fat percentages between 28-75%, and Sussex had the highest. Many Western diets are deficient in Omega-3 and excessive in Omega-6. Balancing this ratio could offer many health benefits including battling depression and mood disorders. A heritage English flax/ linseed from Sussex that came to us via The Irish Seed Savers Association.
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Sow indoors in March for transplant, or direct sow as early as possible in the spring. For oilseed flax, direct sow 2-3 seeds per inch in rows as close as 6″ apart, optimal plant density is 30 plants per square foot. For fiber flax, optimal plant density is 175-200 plants per square foot; sow heavily.
Harvest and Seed Saving
Harvest for grain or seed saving when seeds rub out easily in your hand, from brown, dry seedheads. Lay on a tarp to dry for several days, then dance, rub, or flail seeds from seedheads. Winnow to clean or place seeds in a bowl and make stirring motion with your arm; chaff rises to the top for easy removal. To minimize cross pollination, isolate from other flax varieties by 30 feet, or more if you have lots of bees.
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