Barley
Hordeum vulgare
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Pl. 4C40 — Hordeum vulgare
Hordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgareHordeum vulgare
IOverview
Overview
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a hardy annual graminoid native to Palestine, known for its versatility as an edible crop. This plant thrives in moist conditions and can adapt to various soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils, with a pH range of 5 to 8.5. Barley reaches a height of about 1 meter and is valued for its seed, which is used in food. Its ability to grow in diverse environments makes it a valuable crop in agricultural settings. One distinctive feature of barley is its light energy requirement, making it suitable for cultivation in areas with moderate sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Barley?
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a hardy annual graminoid native to Palestine, known for its versatility as an edible crop. This plant thrives in moist conditions and can adapt to various soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils, with a pH range of 5 to 8.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Barley thrives in light to medium soil and can tolerate heavier clay soils as well. It requires moist conditions but is not overly fussy about water levels. The plant prefers a pH range of 5 to 8.5. Barley needs full sun to partial shade and grows up to 1 meter tall. Hardy between zones 4-8, it is an annual that can be propagated from seed. Ensure the soil is well-draining but not too sandy for best results.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–8.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Barley for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple and manageable crop of barley for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Barley seeds, a container or garden plot, soil, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in fall where winters are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 5 and 8.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5-1 cm deep, spacing them about 20 cm apart in rows 30 cm wide.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sunlight is strong.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to maintain moisture but avoid overwatering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Cut the heads when they turn golden brown, usually 90-120 days after planting. Remove any dead leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, sowing too deep, neglecting to remove weeds.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Barley seeds are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are commonly prepared by boiling to make porridge or used in soups. The grains can also be sprouted for a nutritious addition to salads or sandwiches. Skip the invention of recipes; focus on these basic preparation methods.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 29 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 29 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 1 native· 29 introduced
Europe5 regions
introduced (5)AlbaniaFrancePortugalRussiaSpain
Asia3 regions
native (1)Palestine
introduced (2)BangladeshChina
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)AlgeriaChad
Broader regions
introduced:Brazil South, Amur, Argentina Northeast, Argentina South, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, Alberta, British Columbia, California, Chile Central, Chile North, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4c40d478-882a-40d5-9924-1915a7a9354e
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