Growing Linseed in Centre-Val de Loire
5 adapted varieties
In Centre-Val de Loire, the local agronomic conditions (Cfb — oceanic temperate climate, 1324 growing degree days, loam soil at pH 5.8, 292 frost-free days) allow linseed cultivation.
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Recommended varieties: LS Apalache, GALAAD, LS Kaolin
Climate
Sufficient growing degree days (1324 GDD) to complete the linseed cycle.
Notable summer water deficit (-271 mm). Pick drought-tolerant varieties.
Long frost-free season (292 days), allowing broad crop cycles.
Sowing calendar
Favorable growing period: April to October.
Soil & recommendations
Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8). Liming can improve performance.
Recommended varieties
LS Apalache
LS Apalache is a winter oil flax variety combining early development with 45% oil content and a strong omega-3 profile.
GALAAD
GALAAD is a very productive and early spring oil flax linseed with very high oil content and excellent agronomic behaviour.
LS Kaolin
Kaolin is a very productive spring oil flax linseed with excellent lodging tolerance and broad destination suitability.
LS Riviera
LS RIVIERA is a spring oil flax variety with early to semi early flowering and 44.5% oil content with 59.8% C18-3.
LS Anthocya
LS Anthocya is an anthocyanin-rich winter oil flax variety with 44.4% oil content and a 57.7% C18:3 rate.
| Variety | Type | Earliness | Suitability for the region |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS Apalache | Winter Brown Linseed | Early | 7/10 |
| GALAAD | Spring Golden Linseed | Very early | 7/10 |
| LS Kaolin | Spring Brown Linseed | Semi early | 7/10 |
| LS Riviera | Spring Brown Linseed | Semi early | 7/10 |
| LS Anthocya | Winter Brown Linseed | Semi - late | 7/10 |
Other adapted crops in this zone
Other regions to grow linseed
Agronomic summary
Oilseed linseed is a growing crop in the region, leveraging very suitable soils: Beauce silts, Berry clay-silts, pH 5.8 slightly acidic. The 1,324 GDD comfortably cover the spring cycle. Galaad, LS Kaolin and LS Riviera integrate into classic rapeseed–wheat–barley rotations. The crop benefits from relatively cool summers (19.8°C) enough to limit heat stress.
Frequently asked questions
Which linseed variety is best suited for Centre-Val de Loire?
The varieties recommended above are pre-selected based on local climate, soil and disease pressure. Top picks combine adapted maturity, yield stability and the specific disease tolerances needed in Centre-Val de Loire.
When is the best time to sow linseed in Centre-Val de Loire?
The favorable sowing window is typically from April to October. Exact timing depends on soil temperature (>10°C at 5 cm), weather forecast and your local agronomist's advice.
What yield can I expect from linseed in Centre-Val de Loire?
Yields depend on variety, agronomic management and the season. Under typical Centre-Val de Loire conditions with good practices, our adapted varieties target stable, competitive commercial yields. Precise ranges are available on request.