Does anyone know where I can get flax seed for sale for textile production?

Comments

Sat, 05/04/2013 - 11:01

ReedGuy

Wool Gatherers advertised flax seed a month ago. I can't find the add in search.

Mon, 05/06/2013 - 13:32

ryashani (not verified)

Landis Valley Farm in PA also carries it (it's where I got mine)- http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/seeds.php

Mon, 05/06/2013 - 14:42

ReedGuy

Is there actually a significant difference in flax, other than name? If not, than farm seed is always cheaper than hobby seed.

Mon, 05/06/2013 - 22:05

mrdubyah (not verified)

All "Common flax" is Linum usitatissimum but there are multiple phenotypes.  [Just as all dogs are Canis lupus familiaris but the family includes both chihuahuas and mastiffs.]  Fiber flax has been bred for height, to minimize branching, and to produce relatively little seed.  Food flax has been bred for maximum seed production, selecting for shorter stems and more branches to hold more seedheads. Garden flax has been bred to produce mostly flowers.  That being said, I've planted organic flax seed from Whole Foods and can assure you, it may produce a lot of seed, but it's very affordable and (after retting, breaking, scutching and hackling) it spins up just fine! 

Mon, 05/06/2013 - 22:44

ReedGuy

Ah yes, thanks for reassuring my assumptions. I wonder if the branch fibre is that much different than stem fibre. I suppose it behaves a little differently like branches on a  tree. But, although tree branches won't be used much for lumber, it is suitable for pulp or rayon. It's just too much work to remove the bark on branches to get clean wood, so they are lopped off.