Commercial growing

Traditional methods of growing hemp and flax were labour intensive. The crops were hand-sown, hand-weeded and hand-pulled to harvest. Today modern farming equipment can easily be used to sow the crops and specially designed or modified traditional machines can be used for the harvest.

Growing hemp and flax can be problematic for farmers. Unreliable germination, variable retting and harvesting difficulties are commonplace. When hemp and flax crops were grown in Wales in the late 1990's low yields of extremely poor quality fibre were produced.

Results from this project have shown that by using the correct variety and appropriate management practices, problems in growing the crops can be reduced allowing for increased yield and improved fibre quality. Sowing date and soil temperature, for example, were found to be crucial for crop establishment. Crop husbandry techniques have also improved significantly resulting in a dramatic increase in yield.

blue and white flax flowers

wide shot of flax plants

top

Crop husbandry techniques have also improved significantly - resulting in a dramatic increase in yield.