Grains & Cereals· Hordeum vulgare

Barley Growing Guide

Ancient grain used for food, malt, and animal feed. Excellent for rotation with other cereals.

How Long Does Barley Take to Grow?

Barley is typically ready to harvest about 90 days after planting.

90

Days to Harvest

3,290

kg/hectare

moderate

Water Needs

full sun

Sun Needs

Growing Conditions

Temperature

12-22°C optimal

Frost Tolerance

high

Drought Tolerance

moderate

Soil Requirements

Soil Type & pH

Best soil types: loam, clay loam

pH range: 6.5 - 7.5 (optimal: 7)

Drainage: good

Planting Guide

Planting Methods

direct seeding

Planting Depth

4 cm

Planting Season

spring, fall

Yield & Economics

Yield Range

900 - 6,500 kg/ha

Market Demand

stable

Profitability

medium

Growing Tips

Plant early for best yields

Good malting barley needs proper nitrogen management

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Barley take to grow?

Barley typically takes 90 days from planting to harvest. Seeds germinate in about 7 days. The best planting season is spring, fall.

What soil does Barley need?

Barley grows best in loam, clay loam soil with a pH of 6.5-7.5. Good drainage is required.

What temperature does Barley need?

Barley grows best at 12-22°C. Frost tolerance: high.

What is the expected yield for Barley?

Across 17 countries with grounded data, reported national yields for Barley range from 900 to 6,500 kg/hectare, with a median of 3,290. These are national statistics, not a best-case figure — an individual farm's yield depends on variety, climate, soil and management.

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Where Is Barley Grown?

Explore region-specific growing conditions, challenges, and practices.

Growing Barley in United Kingdom

Both winter feed barley and spring malting barley are grown widely; malting premiums hinge on grain nitrogen levels. WiseYield's nitrogen-split planner helps hit the 1.65% N target for malting contracts.

Growing Barley in Canada

Both feed and malting barley are widely grown, with malting premiums tied to grain plumpness and protein. WiseYield's nitrogen-timing and irrigation tools support malting-spec targets in southern Alberta irrigated districts.

Growing Barley in Australia

Both feed and malting barley are major Australian exports, with malting premiums tied to grain plumpness and low protein. WiseYield's nitrogen-timing tools help hit malting-spec targets in variable rainfall seasons.

Growing Barley in Germany

Both winter feed barley and spring malting barley are important, with malting premiums tied to low grain protein (typically <11.5%). WiseYield's stage-split nitrogen planning helps hit malting-spec protein targets, with per-field records of every application.

Key Agronomy Terms

Core farming concepts, explained in plain language.

Precision Agriculture Integrated Pest Management Crop Rotation Drip Irrigation Soil Health Fertigation NDVI Nitrogen Fixation

Browse the full glossary

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