Flax Culture > Flax Culture process
A norman favorable nature
for the cultivation of flax
Textile flax culture is a culture of observation and of anticipation. It has a 100 days short cycle.
.Rotation
6 to 7 years of rotation
A long rotation from 6 to 7 years is necessary for textile flax to implant at best.
It favors a good production potential, in quality and in quantity.
The farmer anticipates his flax culture several years in advance.
.Soil preparation and sowing
A thorough preparation
Textile flax needs a thorough preparation of the soil so that the roots can go deeply in the ground.
Flax must be sown in optimal conditions so as to ensure a good density of the plants, thus optimizing the quantity and the quality of the fibers.
.The vegetation period
100 days
It is short, 100 days only.
Flax culture is an environment friendly culture.The weather conditions of the year partly determine the potential of the crop. The flowering period is the most risky: heavy rains can lead to flax lodging and compromise the yields and the quality of the fibers.
This risk can be reduced through the choice of an adapted variety corresponding to the terroir.
.Pulling
Flax is pulled when it is mature
This pulling period requires dry climate conditions so that the flax stem can ted correctly. Then the retting can start in good conditions.
Otherwise, it can impact the quality of the fiber.
.Retting
A critical step
Retting is a critical step that has an impact on the quantity and on the final quality of the vintage.
The farmers pay attention to returning the flax straw so as to reach an homogeneous retting. The flax swath is returned several times, according to the field and to specific local conditions.
The retting follow up is very critical. The farmers regularly collect straw samples that are scutched so as to check if the retting process is achieved. The decision to harvest is made comparing the present retting level with the potential risk to lose quality with further retting.
This decision is made by the farmer together with his technician.
.Rolling-up
The final step
This final step must be properly implemented. The farmers use linen rope to avoid any plastic waste in the fibers.
The rolling-up quality of the bales is fundamental for scutching: it impacts the scutching yield and quality.
The farmers get comments on the rolling-up quality of their lots. This is also analyzed with other data so as to decide the improvement areas for the following year.