Armstrong Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm
Authors: Kathleen Delate (Iowa State University) , Andrea McKern (Iowa State University) , Robert Burcham (Iowa State University) , John Kennicker (Iowa State University)
Flax (Linum usitatissimum (Linaceae) – Linen family) is an ancient crop that had been grown in Iowa for many years. Flax has many uses, including industrial oils from oilseed flax, food quality flaxseed oil, and linen products, fiberboard, and paper products from the straw. Flaxseed oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with lowered risk of heart disease and lowered blood cholesterol levels. Flax has a 50-day vegetative period, a 25-day flowering period, and a 35-day period to maturity. Seeds are produced in bolls that contain 6–10 seeds. Seed color can be brown, golden, or yellow. Early seeded flax generally produces the highest yields, using the same planting dates as small grains. Frostseldom kills flax seedlings. Non-uniform maturity and ripening is a problem in late-seeded fields. With the introduction of an organic flaxseed oil processing facility came a need for increased organic flax production in Iowa.
Keywords: Horticulture, Agronomy
How to Cite: Delate, K. , McKern, A. , Burcham, R. & Kennicker, J. (2008) “Evaluation of Varieties, Fertility Treatments, and Red Clover Underseeding for Certified Organic Flax Production”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports. 2007(1).