Spring Linseed FAQ
Q Is Linseed profitable?
A Linseed is likely to be more profitable than Peas, Beans or Spring OSR. A combination of low growing costs (approximately £200-£240/hectare) and strong prices (typically £350-£400/tonne) ensures margins are better.
Q Can I control weeds in linseed because it is a problem for me in Spring Rape and Beans?
A Broadleaf weed control is very easy in linseed with products like Bromoxynil (Butryflow(R)) . Blackgrass and Wild Oats can be controlled using any of the graminicides.
Q Can I grow linseed to use as part of my black grass control strategy
A You can opt to drill linseed later - up to the end of April. This gives more time for blackgrass to germinate giving more opportunities to spray off with glyphosate
Q I have heard Linseed can be late and difficult to harvest?
A This is largely a fallacy. A well managed crop of Linseed will be ready for harvest shortly after your Wheat. Linseed will often be the fastest combined crop. The new "EasyCut" varieties are earlier and easier to harvest than conventional ones.
Q Is Linseed easy to dry and store?
A Most Linseed is typically harvested at 8 – 10% moisture, so will not need drying. Most driers that handle OSR will handle Linseed.
Q When should I drill Linseed?
A The optimum period for drilling linseed is mid March to mid April, but it can still be satisfactorily drilled into May provided there is moisture available.
Q What depth should I drill Linseed?
A 1 - 2 cm.
Q What is the best way to establish linseed??
A Linseed can be direct drilled, min-tilled or conventionally sown.
Q Where geographically can Linseed be grown?
A Anywhere in England, Wales and Scotland.
Q What soils can I grow Linseed on?
A Linseed will grow on any soil type and is not pH limited.
Q Do you get slugs after linseed like I do in OSR?
A It is most unlikely. Linseed is a more open crop and the mass of lateral roots tend to dry the surface of the soil
Q How often can I grow Linseed in my rotation?
A Once in 4 - 5 years.
Q What is yellow linseed?
A Yellow linseed has a yellow seed coat as opposed to the more conventional brown. It is grown for the bakery and health food industry and can command significant premiums to brown linseed.
Q I keep hearing stories about "GM contamination" of linseed?
A Canada was tha major supplier of linseed to Europe. In 2010, shipments of linseed from Canada were found to be contaminated with a GM variety of linseed ( this variety was never officially marketed). Europe has a zero GM tolerance level in linseed, so all shipments were blocked. This situation continues to this day.
Q Am I allowed to burn linseed straw in the field?
A Yes, provided you adhere to all the regulations
Q Is there a market for organic linseed?
A Yes. Whilst small compared to conventional linseed, organic linseed is required for the human consumption and the animal feed market. Both brown and yellow seed varieties are required. Terms are available here
Q What is Omega 3 and ALA?
A ALA, short for "Alpha Linolenic Acid" is an essential fatty acid, better known as an OMEGA 3 precursor. Linseed is naturally high in ALA.
