Cultivated for domestic crafts from the 13th century in Upper Normandy, flax found in Pays de Caux ideal growing conditions for this demanding plant: humid climate and soil quality. Our region is the leading producer of flax.
A plant with multiple uses
In flax, everything is good!
The longest fibers will be reserved for the fabric. The shorter ones (the tows), will be used for mail bags, coarser fabrics, rope and even cigarette paper. The seed will be mainly reserved for seed, but can provide oil for painting and cake for cattle feed; the shredded woody part (shives) will be used in the manufacture of chipboards. The dust will be transformed into compost.
Flax cultivation
Sown in close rows between March 15 and April 15, flax flowers in June for a few days, transforming, in the morning, the Cauchoise countryside into a mosaic of blue and sometimes white plots. The flower becomes a “capsule”, containing the seeds. In July, 100 days after sowing, the flax reaches a height of between 80 cm and 1 meter. It is torn off and placed on the ground on a regular basis. This alignment is called a “swath“. The “retting” begins on the spot: it lasts from 3 to 8 weeks depending on the weather conditions. The windrows are turned regularly so that the action of microorganisms (thanks to the sun and humidity) separates the textile fibers from the woody part of the stem called “shives“. At the beginning of September the flax is picked up and taken to the scutching plant in Saint-Pierre-le-Viger where the textile fiber, a noble part, will be collected. But the processing of scalloped flax is done abroad, mainly in China.
The benefits of flax
In the language of flowers, flax means “benefactor“.
Ecological, its culture uses very few chemical fertilizers and pesticides. A solid natural fiber, it offers an hypoallergenic and anti-stress fabric … sleeping in linen sheets promotes rapid, deep and more restful sleep! Flax seeds contain Omega 3 which protect against cardiovascular disease. When pressed, they provide an oil used in soap, shampoo and cosmetics.
Don’t hesitate to take home some flax seeds to grow them and enjoy all stages of the growth of this amazing plant.
