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Barley

Hordeum vulgare · Poaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant barley: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Common name
Winter barley
Family
Poaceae (Grasses)
Type
Annual cereal
Mature height
60 to 120 cm
Flowering
April to July depending on variety
Hardiness
Very hardy (down to -20 °C)
Origin
Middle East
Foliage
Deciduous, blue-green

Care

Watering

Barley, being a temperate climate cereal, tolerates natural rainfall well. Regular watering is important during the germination and tillering phases. Gradually reduce watering as the plant develops, except during prolonged drought periods during active growth.

Exposure

Plant barley in full sun for optimal growth and better productivity. It tolerates wind-exposed areas well, which helps reduce lodging risks.

Soil preparation and type

Barley prefers well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter. Prepare the seedbed through ploughing or soil cultivation 4 to 6 weeks before sowing for optimal structure and weed elimination.

Fertilization

Apply balanced fertilizer before sowing or nitrogen fertilizer at the start of the growing season. Nitrogen needs are high during tillering and stem elongation; adjust the dose according to soil fertility and your yield objectives.

Harvest and management

Barley is harvested 6 to 7 months after sowing (generally in July-August) when the ears turn golden and grains detach easily. Allow it to dry standing for a few days before harvest to achieve optimal moisture content (around 15%).

Diseases and pests

Watch for powdery mildew, scald, and leaf blotch risks in humid conditions. Practice crop rotation and promote good air circulation. Slugs can damage young seedlings; remove them mechanically if necessary.

Did you know?

Winter barley, or winter barley, is one of the oldest cereals cultivated by humanity, dating back over 10,000 years to Mesopotamia. It long served as a basis for bread and beer production, and remains today an essential ingredient in many craft breweries for its sweet flavor and particular fermentation properties.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.