Linore Flax

Heirloom flax variety developed in 1962 at the University of Oregon for fiber, seed, and oil. Linore has pretty blue flowers and delicate leaves on 2.5 ft stems. It is cold tolerant and great for pollinators.

Truelove Seeds grew Linore Flax for seed as a part of our work with the PA Flax Project to trial and increase mid-Atlantic-adapted flax seed for linen production. The PA Flax Project is re-establishing the fiber flax industry in Pennsylvania by creating economic opportunity for farmers and manufacturers. Read more about the PA Flax Project here!

Days to maturity: 100-110

Seeds per pack: 115

Germination rate: 87% on 07/30/2025

Planting / harvesting notes

Direct sow onto the soil’s surface in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. For oil and seed space 6”-9” apart in rows 6”-9” apart, for fiber, sow heavily to discourage branching (about 3-4 inches apart). Do not cover with soil - flax seeds require sunlight to germinate. Water well after sowing. Harvest flax for fiber about 30 days after most of the plants have flowered, when the stems are beginning to turn yellow. Pull up the whole plant, including the roots, by hand so that you get the maximum length of fiber. Lay out stems on the ground to ret for 3 weeks, turning over half way through. The retting process breaks down the outer layer of stem and releases the fibers.

Seed keeping notes

For seed, harvest when pods are brown and you can hear the seeds rattle in their pods when shaken. Stems and leaves should be browning, but can still be tinged green. Harvest before plants lodge. Harvest by uprooting the whole plant, and tie in bundles to hang to dry for a couple additional weeks.