How to Grow Flaxseed? A Detailed Explanation of Planting Methods and Key Technical Points
Flaxseed, also known as hu ma seed, is a common crop in our country. The crushed or ground fruit can be added to bread or muffins, or sprinkled on yogurt or cereal. So how do you grow flaxseed?
1. Soil selection
It is advisable to choose flat terrain, fertile, slightly acidic black soil or black oil sandy soil. The previous crop should preferably be corn, wheat or soybean.
2. Seed selection and sowing
Select some healthy, plump flaxseeds and sow them into the soil according to the fertility status of the plot. Generally, for plots with higher soil fertility, drill in rows with a row spacing of 7.5cm, with a sowing rate of 100-120kg per hectare and 15 million-18 million plants retained per hectare. For plots with medium soil fertility, the row spacing is 7.5-15cm, with a sowing rate of 95-100kg per hectare and 13.5 million-15 million plants retained; for plots with lower fertility, drill in rows with a row spacing of 15cm, with a sowing rate of 90-95kg per hectare and 12 million-13.5 million plants retained. The depth should preferably be 3-4cm.
3. Post-sowing management techniques
(1) Water: During the rapid growth stage of flax, sufficient water is needed. A precipitation of 100-150mm from April to June is ideal. Fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic or neutral soil is required; alkaline soil with a salt content below 0.2% can also be planted. The climate of China's main flax-producing areas is characterized by drought in nine out of ten springs, mostly with no irrigation conditions.
(2) Fertilizer: When growing flaxseed, fertilizer - the suitable ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Flax needs more potassium fertilizer, which can enhance lodging resistance and improve yield and quality. The application of trace elements such as zinc, manganese and copper can improve quality. Spraying boron fertilizer during the flowering period can increase seed yield and grain weight.
4. Harvest
The suitable harvest time for flax is when 1/3 of the capsules turn yellow-brown, and 1/3 of the leaves on the flax stems have fallen off and 1/3 have turned apricot yellow. The suitable harvest time for seed fields is 5-7 days later than that for fiber, that is, when 2/3 of the capsules turn yellow-brown, they should be harvested promptly