Flax Planting Date Trial

Early seeding of flax generally produces the best yields and quality. Moderate temperatures and sufficient soil moisture during flowering and seed development are important for high yield and quality, and these conditions are more likely to occur with early seeding. There is little risk of frost damage with flax. Newly emerged flax can withstand temperatures down to 27O F, while plants past the two leaf stage can withstand temperatures as low as 18O F. Flax has small leaves and is relatively short, which naturally makes it less competitive against weeds. Early planted flax will establish before the majority of summer weed species. This could potentially help reduce weed competition. This trial was initiated to determine optimum flax planting dates to maximize yields in the Northeast