Two-Rowed Barley
Hordeum distichonfam. Poaceae
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Pl. D792 — Hordeum distichon
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IOverview
Overview
Two-Rowed Barley, scientifically known as Hordeum distichon, is an annual grass native to Iraq. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is hardy within USDA zones 4-8. Known for its edible seeds, Two-Rowed Barley has been cultivated for centuries due to its versatility in various culinary applications. One distinctive feature of this plant is its two-rowed grain arrangement along the seed head, setting it apart from other barley varieties.
Quick answers
What is Two-Rowed Barley?
Two-Rowed Barley, scientifically known as Hordeum distichon, is an annual grass native to Iraq. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It grows up to 1.2 meters tall and is hardy within USDA zones 4-8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Two-Rowed Barley thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows to a height of 1.2 meters. This annual plant prefers well-drained conditions but can tolerate various soil types. For best results, ensure the soil remains consistently moist throughout its growing season. Harvest the edible seed when it turns brown.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
1.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Two-Rowed Barley for the first time
8steps
Start with Two-Rowed Barley for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden plot or large container, soil, water can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soil. Ensure good drainage for moisture control.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5-1 cm deep in rows spaced about 30 cm apart. Keep the area moist until germination.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings if they grow too close together.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Cut the mature heads when the grain is fully ripe and the awns (hairs) are dry. Prune away dead leaves to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to thin seedlings, not providing enough sunlight, ignoring pests and diseases.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Coffee, Salt, Sweetener
Other uses:BiomassMulchtextiles
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 29 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 29 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 1 native· 29 introduced
Europe8 regions
introduced (8)PolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
Asia7 regions
native (1)Iraq
introduced (6)ChinaPakistanPalestineTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Tunisia
Broader regions
introduced:Primorye, Queensland, Sakhalin, South Australia, Tadzhikistan, Tasmania, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Victoria, Western Australia, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Poaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Poaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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