How Much Water for Flax Plants?

Growth Requirements

• Flax is best grown in soil with high water-holding capacity, especially clay-like soils with fine texture and adequate drainage. The plant needs plenty of moisture, particularly if it is grown in sandy soil. It will not perform well if soil grows hard and crusty, which prevents seeds from germinating and plants from establishing. Plant seeds one-half to one inch deep, in soil that is at a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Although root system is generally not extensive, flax can produce taproots that extend 3 to 4 feet.

Water Requirements

• Flax needs plenty of moisture and cool conditions to thrive. Plant flax in a garden bed containing evenly moist soil, and provide irrigation in low-rainfall areas. Adequate moisture ensures high oil content within seeds. In a study conducted by Montana State University, seeds produced oil content of 41.2 percent after rainfall that averaged seven inches per month. As seeds are filling with oil, regular moisture is essential. Drought or high temperatures during this time can reduce oil content below a desirable 40 percent.

Oilseed Flax

• Oilseed flax grows best in cool regions, particularly if cool temperatures arrive after flowering, thereby boosting oil production. High elevation areas are ideal for this type of flax. The oil, also known as linseed oil, is used as livestock feed and commercially as a drying agent. More recently it has risen in popularity for human consumption due to its high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids including Linolenic, Oleic and Linoleic.

Fiber Flax

• When it comes to flax grown for fiber, a temperate, coastal climate is ideal for production. Cool temperatures during growth makes for stronger fiber, which is obtained from the plant's stems. Fiber flax varieties tend to grow taller and are planted closer together than are seed varieties. The linen from flax fiber is used for clothing, table cloths and other household items. It is often blended with fibers such as cotton to make other products.