Sown early March, daytime highs were varied mostly in the 40’s(°f) with night-time temps between in the 20’s. Currently about 30% of seed seems to be tillering well, with the other 70% being sown in small clumps with only one or two tillers each. No pest or disease pressure. More vigorous than the wheat planted at the same time.
It may be that Barley is better suited to spring planting in my environment but I’ll know better after repeated grow-outs. Pales in size compared to the fall sown feral rye I collected at the edge of a field nearby.
I had no idea there was one! Any idea what’s in it? I’m going to plant some trials of barley soon, I’ve taken 31 accessions of landrace barleys from all over the world out of a gene bank. I’ll grow them separately and then probably mix them together after I see how they do.
From the GTS website “This is a mix of several barley varieties and barley mixes. A large barley spectrum is here. There are six-row, two-row, purple, tan, gold, blue, and brown seeds in this mix. Most are Hordeum vulgare, but a few are also from Oregon State University’s Naked Barley Blend which features progeny from interspecific hybrids. The mix is primarily hulless, but a few are resistant to letting go of their hull. Fall planting recommended, unless you live somewhere with snow cover most of the winter.”
I too requested the Oregon state barley and also mixed a few other heirlooms with it at planting time this spring. A small micro patch but there is diversity by looking at the seed heads. Now if I can let it dry and get it harvested before the birds find it.
No signs of pests, or disease. Has doubled in size in the last two weeks. Only weeding I’ve done is pulling the ever encroaching creeping charlie, every other weed has been left in place.
