How to Grow Barley: Two-Row Malting
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Barley: Two-Row Malting
Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare
grassTwo-row malting barley is a cereal grain cultivar with two rows of kernels on each spike, prized for brewing, distilling, and malting applications. It has lower protein content and higher enzymatic activity compared to six-row varieties, making it ideal for converting starches to sugars during the malting process. This cool-season annual grass produces golden-brown grain in mid-summer.
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Example Barley: Two-Row Malting timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Barley: Two-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: Two-Row Malting
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8; cold-hardy spring or winter varieties available
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Get my Barley: Two-Row Malting timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds absorb water and radicles emerge; seedlings push through soil with first true leaves visible within 7-10 days
Ensure consistent soil moisture (not waterlogged); protect emerging seedlings from birds; sow in cool weather (spring or fall depending on variety)
Tillering & Vegetative Growth
30-45 daysPlant develops multiple shoots (tillers) from the base; 3-6 leaves visible on main shoot; root system expands significantly
Monitor for pests and disease; moderate nitrogen feeding supports tiller development; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot
Boot & Heading
15-25 daysGrain head (spike) emerges from leaf sheath; awns (bristles) become visible; plant reaches maximum height (24-36 inches)
Minimize irrigation to reduce lodging (plant falling over); watch for Fusarium head blight in wet conditions; apply final potassium if needed
Flowering & Grain Fill
20-30 daysFlorets open and pollinate; grain kernels enlarge and fill with starch and protein; spike elongates fully
Critical moisture period—consistent water essential for grain development; monitor for aphids and Hessian flies; reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive protein
Maturity & Harvest
10-15 daysKernels harden; grain develops golden-brown color; moisture content drops to 12-15%; entire head becomes brittle and straw yellows
Stop irrigation 1-2 weeks before harvest; test grain moisture regularly; harvest when grain is firm but still has slight flex; dry quickly after harvest to preserve malting quality
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use resistant varieties; avoid early planting dates in fall; destroy crop residue; crop rotation with non-host crops
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Insecticidal soap spray; reflective mulches; attract natural predators; economic threshold usually 100+ aphids per stem
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Choose resistant varieties; ensure good air circulation; sulfur or fungicide application in cool, humid conditions
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Reduce irrigation during flowering; avoid nitrogen excess; plant resistant varieties; remove infected heads promptly
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Scout for larvae; Bt spray in early stages; maintain field hygiene; avoid excessive irrigation
Uses
Brewing & Malting
CulinaryTwo-row malting barley is the preferred grain for craft breweries and distilleries worldwide due to its low protein content (10-12%) and high enzymatic power. The grains are steeped, germinated, and kilned to produce malt, which provides fermentable sugars and depth of flavor to beers, whiskeys, and other beverages. [source]
Flour & Grain Products
CulinaryBarley flour and whole grain can be used in bread baking (often blended with wheat), cookies, and porridges. Pearl barley (polished kernels) and hulled barley are eaten as whole grains in soups, stews, and pilaf dishes. [source]
Beta-Glucans & Heart Health
MedicinalBarley contains soluble fiber beta-glucans, which have been scientifically shown to help lower cholesterol and support cardiovascular health. Barley water and whole grain products are traditional remedies in many cultures for digestive and immune support. [source]
Animal Feed & Forage
HouseholdBarley grain is a cost-effective livestock feed rich in carbohydrates and energy. Young barley shoots (barley fodder) provide fresh, nutrient-dense forage for cattle, horses, poultry, and other animals. [source]
Traditional Brewing & Fermentation
CraftHome brewers and commercial distillers rely on malted two-row barley as the foundation grain for crafting ales, lagers, single malt whisky, and other fermented beverages with complex flavor profiles. [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 grain moisture reaches 12-15% and kernels resist breakage when pressed between teeth (milk stage should be past). Cut or combine in early morning to reduce shattering losses. Two-row malting barley must be harvested carefully to minimize kernel damage, which reduces malting quality. Dry grain immediately post-harvest (down to 10-11% moisture) for long-term storage. Sort out foreign material and damaged kernels before malting. Store in cool, dry conditions (below 50°F, below 12% moisture) to preserve enzyme activity for malting.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Two-row barley gets its name from the arrangement of kernels on the grain head—two rows of kernels per side versus six rows in six-row varieties, making it visually distinctive and easier to handle during malting.
- 🌱 Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains, with evidence of barley cultivation dating back over 10,000 years to the Fertile Crescent, and it remains a staple in brewing and food production worldwide.
- 🌱 The enzymatic power of two-row malting barley is ideal for converting its own starches into sugars during malting, which is why brewers prefer it over six-row varieties that require additional enzymes from adjuncts.
Gardening Terms
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