How to Grow Barley: Six-Row Malting
Barley: Six-Row Malting
Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare
grassSix-row barley is a cereal grain variety where spikelets develop in six rows along the head, making it ideal for malting in brewing and distilling applications. This heritage grain has a higher protein content and enzymatic activity compared to two-row varieties, producing distinctive flavors in beer and spirits. It's a cool-season annual grass that reaches 24-36 inches in height.
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Example Barley: Six-Row Malting timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Barley: Six-Row Malting
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Barley: Six-Row Malting
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Barley: Six-Row Malting dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; prefers cool climates with moderate moisture
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Get my Barley: Six-Row Malting timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
10-14 daysSeeds germinate within 5-10 days; first leaf (coleoptile) emerges, followed by true leaves
Ensure consistent soil moisture. Protect from birds and rodents. Maintain soil temperature 45-60°F for optimal germination.
Tillering
3-4 weeksMultiple shoots develop from the base of the plant, creating a fuller plant with 3-5 tillers per plant; bright green foliage
Apply nitrogen if soil is depleted. Monitor for early pest activity. Maintain adequate moisture for tiller development.
Boot & Heading
2-3 weeksFlag leaf emerges; head develops inside the sheath and breaks through; plant reaches near-final height of 24-36 inches
Increase water during this critical stage if rainfall is insufficient. Monitor for mildew and rust diseases. Support tall varieties if necessary.
Flowering & Grain Fill
3-4 weeksFlowers bloom (inconspicuous); six-row heads become fully visible with characteristic configuration; grains enlarge and fill with starch
Critical moisture period; provide consistent watering if dry. Monitor for disease pressure. Avoid excessive nitrogen which delays maturity.
Maturation & Harvest Ready
1-2 weeksGrains harden, turn golden-brown; heads droop; plant reaches full maturity with 8-12 grains per spikelet
Reduce watering as harvest approaches. Watch for birds and pests attempting to feed on ripe grain. Begin harvest when moisture content drops to 10-12%.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Choose resistant varieties; practice crop rotation; avoid early planting dates in affected regions
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Monitor for larvae; apply organic insecticide if threshold exceeded; encourage natural predators
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Use netting or scare tactics during grain-fill and harvest stages; plant in fenced areas if possible
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Improve air circulation; avoid excess nitrogen; apply sulfur dust if needed; choose mildew-resistant malting varieties
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Rotate crops; use disease-free seed; improve drainage; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Malting & Brewing
CulinarySix-row malting barley is the premium choice for craft beer and whiskey production, where high enzymatic activity converts starches to sugars during the malting process. The six-row configuration provides superior enzyme content compared to two-row varieties. [source]
Whole Grains & Flour
CulinaryBarley grains can be cooked as a nutritious whole grain side dish, or milled into flour for baking breads, cakes, and porridges. Barley flour adds nutty flavor and is commonly used in Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisines. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalBarley water (infusion of boiled grain) has been used in traditional medicine to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and provide hydration. Modern research suggests barley contains beta-glucans that may support immune function. [source]
Animal Feed
HouseholdBarley grain and straw are excellent feed sources for livestock, poultry, and other animals, providing energy and fiber. Six-row varieties are particularly valued in organic farming systems. [source]
Ornamental & Decorative
CraftMature barley heads with their distinctive six-row configuration and drooping form create attractive dried flower arrangements and wreaths. The golden color and texture add visual interest to rustic crafts. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when heads droop and grains are golden-brown, typically at 10-12% moisture content. Cut stems 2-3 inches above ground using a sickle, scythe, or grain cradle for small plots. Thresh heads to separate grains from chaff by rubbing between hands or using a simple flail. Dry grains completely (below 10% moisture) before storage. For malting purposes, grain should meet brewing industry standards: uniform size, high germination rate (95%+), and proper protein levels (10-13% for six-row).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Six-row barley contains significantly more enzymes (amylase and proteases) than two-row varieties, making it more efficient at converting starches to fermentable sugars—a trait brewers and distillers have valued for centuries.
- 🌱 Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains, with archaeological evidence dating back 10,000 years to the Fertile Crescent, and six-row types were prevalent in ancient beer production.
- 🌱 The 'six-row' designation refers to the arrangement of spikelets on the grain head; each node produces three spikelets (fertile), creating six visible rows—a trait determined by a single recessive gene.
Gardening Terms
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