Description
Linseed (Flax) – Cover Crop & Mix Diversity
Linseed, also known as flax, is a versatile broadleaf cover crop that adds diversity and resilience to multi-species mixes. While not grown for grazing bulk, linseed is valued for its rooting structure, soil cover, and contribution to organic matter. It’s a practical addition to spring or summer sowings where the goal is soil health and balance.
The flowers are 5 petalled and cornflower blue in colour, although some varieties differ, with yellow or white flowers. The seed heads or bolls turn a brown to yellow colour as the plant matures.
Key Benefits of Linseed / Flax:
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Mix Diversity: Adds a broadleaf component that balances grasses, legumes, and brassicas.
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Soil Conditioning: Improves soil structure, increases organic matter, and supports microbial activity.
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Moisture & Erosion Control: Provides ground cover to protect soil from moisture loss and erosion.
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Flexible Fit: Works well in multi-species pasture blends and custom cover crop programs.
Linseed is best suited as part of a blend rather than as a standalone crop. By broadening species diversity, it helps build soil resilience, spreads risk under variable seasons, and complements fast-growing forages with its steady contribution to soil health.
Variety | Linseed / Flax |
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Sowing date | Early Spring & Early Autumn |
Sowing rate (mix) | 3-6 kg/ha |
Sowing rate (standalone) | 25-50 kg/ha |
Flowering time | 2 -4 weeks |
Unit size | 25kg bags |
Soil temperature | 12+ degrees |