Vesta flax represents a mid-late maturing long-staple flax (Linum usitatissimum L. f. elongata) with a long stem and blue-violet petals. The plant is characterized by a medium 1000-seed weight and brown seeds, as well as a medium stem length, which can reach up to 120 centimeters under favorable conditions. Flowering begins in early July, accompanied by bright blue flowers with pink stamens. The flax root system penetrates deep into the soil (40-60 centimeters), allowing the plant to effectively utilize moisture from deep soil layers during dry weather.
Vesta flax is designed for flax fiber production and is distinguished by high yields of flax straw and seeds. In the Northwestern region, the average straw yield is 41.7 centners/hectare, and seeds - 4.9 centners/hectare, while in the Central region - 30.9 centners/hectare and 5.2 centners/hectare respectively. Fiber content varies from 28.8% to 30.0% depending on the region. Flax is resistant to lodging (4.6 points) and moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt of seedlings, which increases its reliability during cultivation.
Moreover, Vesta long-staple flax possesses important agronomic advantages. Its powerful root system improves soil structure, making it more water- and air-permeable, which promotes better development of subsequent crops. Flax enriches the soil with plant-available elements such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, making it a valuable green manure crop. Flax seeds are used in cooking and folk medicine, and they are not treated with chemicals, ensuring their ecological purity.
