FLAX 



FLAX is grown for seed quite extensively in some of the north- 

 western states. The greatest amount is produced in Minnesota, 

 North and South Dakota and Montana. In some sections it is 

 grown in a limited way for seed and fiber. Where it is grown for both 

 products and intensive methods are pursued, the crop is very valuable. 



Soil 



Flax can be grown in any soil or climate where the cereals flourish. 

 The best results, however, are obtained on rich deep loam. 



Seed-Bed 



Flax requires a deep, thoroughly pulverized and aerated seed-bed. 

 It does not do well on low wet lands nor on heavy slippery clays. It, 

 like the cereals, is improved by careful seed selection and by fertiliza- 

 tion. 



The seed-bed for flax should be thoroughly pulverized, made compact 

 and as nearly even as possible. The reason for this is to insure a uni- 

 form growth and ripening. After the seed-bed has been thoroughly 

 pulverized, it is a good plan to run a corrugated roller over the ground 

 for the purpose of breaking up all surface lumps and making small 

 grooves for the seed. The best implement for sowing seed is a flat 

 tooth weeder with a seeder attachment. Some farmers use a shoe or 

 press drill, running the drill not more than one-half inch in depth. If 

 the ground has been prepared with the corrugated roller before the 

 seed is sown, the flat weeder teeth cover the seed very nicely. It is 

 not advisable to plant the seed too deeply. 



Amount to Sow 



The usual amount to sow is about one bushel per acre. Some flax 

 growers have received the best results where they have sown but a 

 half bushel. They claim the stalks are larger, have more branches, 

 and the seeds are larger and of a better quality. If sown thick, the 

 stems are straight and slender and the amount of seed is less. 



Rotation 



Flax should be grown in a five-year rotation, including in the rotation 

 one of the legumes. It should never succeed itself nor be grown on the 

 same land more often than once every five years. 



