Barley
Golden, nutty kernels with a clean, hearty bite—Barley (feed type) delivers a satisfying grain character that shines in warm, slow-steeping preparations and robust grain blends.
Expect an upright, dependable stand that matures in about 90 days, producing uniform heads and plump kernels with a firm, resilient texture. Ideal for gardeners growing grain for feed and for anyone who loves the satisfaction of harvesting a true cool-season cereal.
Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Upright
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Barley Planting Dates by USDA Zone
Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Sow / Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Protected Environment Only | ||
| Zone 1b | Protected Environment Only | ||
| Zone 2a | Direct Sow | May 25th | Aug 23rd – Aug 29th |
| Zone 2b | Direct Sow | May 15th | Aug 13th – Aug 25th |
| Zone 3a | Direct Sow | May 15th | Aug 13th – Sep 1st |
| Zone 3b | Direct Sow | May 19th | Aug 17th – Sep 21st |
| Zone 4a | Direct Sow | May 15th | Aug 13th – Sep 24th |
| Zone 4b | Direct Sow | May 13th | Aug 11th – Sep 27th |
| Zone 5a | Direct Sow | May 8th | Aug 6th – Sep 30th |
| Zone 5b | Direct Sow | May 4th | Aug 2nd – Oct 5th |
| Zone 6a | Direct Sow | May 1st | Jul 30th – Oct 10th |
| Zone 6b | Direct Sow | Apr 25th | Jul 24th – Oct 16th |
| Zone 7a | Direct Sow | Apr 20th | Jul 19th – Oct 20th |
| Zone 7b | Direct Sow | Apr 10th | Jul 9th – Oct 28th |
| Zone 8a | Direct Sow | Apr 1st | Jun 30th – Nov 5th |
| Zone 8b | Direct Sow | Mar 23rd | Jun 21st – Nov 12th |
| Zone 9a | Direct Sow | Mar 6th | Jun 4th – Nov 26th |
| Zone 9b | Direct Sow | Feb 9th | May 10th – Dec 9th |
| Zone 10a | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 10b | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 11a | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 11b | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 12a | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 12b | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 13a | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
| Zone 13b | — | Oct 1st | Dec 30th – Feb 28th |
Crop Details
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Days to Maturity | 90 |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Support Needed | None |
| Planting Depth | Normal |
| Germination Temp (°F) | 55 |
| Min Soil Temp (°F) | 40 |
| Min Night Temp (°F) | 28 |
| Harden Off (days) | Not Required |
Sowing Tips
Transplant Conditions
Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors.
Expert Note
For consistent heads and grain fill, plant early in cool weather and keep soil evenly moist until emergence, then water only as needed to avoid drought stress during tillering to heading.