Linseed

For many years linseed, as known as flax was an important component of fabric and linen yarn, it is also important because of its seeds, from which linseed oil is obtained. In the Uk linseed can be a component of game cover mixtures and over-winter wild bird seed mixtures.

Uses

Traditionally used in the fabric industry and for linseed oil. It is also included in game cover mixtures.

Persistence

It is an annual species.

Strengths

A seed bearing species, that holds it seed long into the winter in bolls or seed heads, it is also a strong, upright plant resistant to lodging.

Frost Tolerance

Not frost tolerant, but stands well into the winter.

Sowing Rate Advice

20kg per acre / 50kg per ha.

Not often sown as a pure stand for game cover, as cover can be sparse.

Mixture Sowing Rate Advice

0.5 - 1kg per acre / 1.25 - 2.5kg per ha.

Ideal Sowing Time

Generally for game cover purposes the seed is sown in the spring, from April to June, to ensure its seeds into the winter.

Distinguishing characteristics

Seed
This is a distinctive seed, with two noticeably flat sides and an overall kidney shape. It has an amber colour, with a shiny and smooth texture. The seed is approximately 5mm in length.

Seedling
The linseed seedling produces two rounded cotyledons, these have no petioles and are connected very closely to the stem. The cotyledon tip is rounded or sometimes indented. The true leaves a longer and narrower and overall the first leaves are hairless.

Flowering Plant
Linseed is a rich green, upright plant, generally hairless. The leaves are lance shaped, and grow alternatively along the stalk, with a whorled, swirling appearance. 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. It has a shallow, but good lateral root system.

Additional Info

Average seeds per kg - 333,000. Its noted that soils after a linseed crop have an improved soil structure.

Works well with

It can be sown with most seed bearing species, but works especially well if attracting partridge with gold of pleasure.

You can find Linseed in the following mixtures

• One Year Winter Bird Food Survival Mixture (AHL2/AB9)
• One Year Winter Bird Food Survival Mixture 70% ORGANIC
• AB16 Enhanced Autumn Sown Bumblebird
• Multi Species 8 Way Cover Crop (SAM2)
• Multi Species 8 Way Cover Crop (SAM2) 70% Organic
• Cotswold Partridge Game Mix
• Cotswold Partridge Mix 70% Organic
• Two Year Wild Bird Seed Mix 70% ORGANIC CEREAL SEPARATE
• Multi Species Cover Crop (SAM2)