Hello friends,

I've been growing my own linen plants (Linum usitatissimum) for fibre production for many years, using the 'Essene' variety I purchased from Kōanga Institute in New Zealand. While there are other varieties better suited to producing textile linen, these aren't available in New Zealand and are difficult to import due to our strict biosecurity rules. So, working with what I have, I sow my own 'Essene' seeds each year, growing the plants both for linen fibre and to produce a fresh supply of seed for future seasons.

As you can see from these photos, our neighbour's cat Maisie is always very fond of my linen patch, and spends many happy hours playing, sitting, and sleeping among the plants. Luckily, linen bounces back into shape quite easily, so she doesn't do too much damage—and she's so cute that I just can't say no to her shenanigans.

Papahoa Fibreworks is a Canterbury-based Aotearoa New Zealand fibre business focused on developing locally grown, traceable natural textiles. They grow their own 'Essene' organic Linum usitatissimum (flax/linen) at their farm in Tai Tapu, where the plants are harvested and processed by hand to produce long-line linen fibre and tow for spinning. They also grow natural dye plants and operate a natural dye house, bringing together linen growing, fibre processing, natural dyeing, and textile production.

This year, Papahoa Fibreworks has started a Grow Along using their 'Essene' linen seed, following the plants from sowing through to processing, and I've decided to join them. I'm looking forward to growing their seed alongside other growers around New Zealand and joining their Patreon community over spring and summer. Plant growing can sometimes be a lonely learning experience, and I've found it's much more enjoyable when you can learn alongside others, and share tips and tricks along the way.

My seed packet from Papahoa Fibreworks has recently arrived, and contains enough linen seed to grow a 1 m² patch of plants. 

The next step is to prepare the ground for sowing, and then work out the 100-day growing season, so I know when to sow and when to harvest the plants. My plan is to grow the linen to the stage where I can harvest it for both fibre and a fresh supply of seed. I'm looking forward to following the journey from seed to harvest and seeing what I can learn along the way.

Have a wonderful day,

Julie-Ann

If you'd like to continue the conversation, you can find me on Instagram, Mastodon, Bluesky, and Facebook.

Tags: 2026, Garden, garden preparation, Garden Project, Gardening, Linen, Linen Grow Along, Papahoa Fibreworks, Winter