If flax grows relatively quickly and easily, the subsequent retting step on the ground is more thorough. Once the flax plants are uprooted, they are put on the ground to rust thanks to the alternation of rain and sun. The micro-organisms thus developed will work the stems left this way from 2 weeks to 3 months depending on weather conditions. When deemed neither too dry nor wet, the stems are collected, rolled into bundles, and taken to the factory for processing.