How to Grow Chevalier Barley
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Chevalier Barley
Hordeum vulgare var. distichum
grassChevalier is a classic two-row barley variety prized for brewing and malting applications. It produces golden grain with excellent enzyme activity and flavor characteristics ideal for beer production. This heritage grain variety is relatively winter-hardy and has been cultivated for over a century.
When should you plant Chevalier Barley in your zone?
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Example Chevalier Barley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chevalier Barley
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 Chevalier Barley
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chevalier Barley dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; best as winter barley in zone 5+, spring barley in zones 2-6
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Get my Chevalier Barley timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-10 daysSeeds absorb moisture and germinate; first shoots emerge from soil as thin green shoots
Ensure consistent soil moisture; soil temperature ideally 40-50°F for winter barley; protect from soil crusting
Tillering
3-4 weeksMultiple shoots develop from the base creating a bushy plant with 3-6 tillers per plant
Avoid excess nitrogen which delays maturity; apply light fertilizer if needed; monitor for early pests
Stem Extension & Heading
4-5 weeksMain stem elongates, leaf count increases, and the grain head begins to emerge from the flag leaf sheath
Provide consistent water during grain fill; avoid lodging-promoting excessive nitrogen; watch for disease
Flowering & Grain Development
2-3 weeksHeads fully emerge with awns visible; small florets open briefly; kernels begin filling with starch
Critical period for water availability; no major interventions needed; monitor for Septoria or mildew
Maturity & Harvest
1-2 weeksGrain hardens, moisture drops to 12-15%; heads droop; color turns golden-brown
Allow full dry-down in field if weather permits; harvest when moisture is 12-15% to preserve grain quality for malting
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use resistant varieties; plant at recommended time to avoid peak fly emergence; destroy crop residue
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Scout regularly; cultural controls like removing nearby grasses; insecticide if threshold exceeded
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Control aphid vectors; plant resistant varieties; avoid planting near susceptible crops
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid excessive nitrogen; fungicide application if severe
Uses
Malting for Brewing
CulinaryChevalier barley is traditionally used for brewing and whisky production due to its excellent enzyme levels and flavor profile. The grain's high enzymatic activity makes it ideal for creating malt that efficiently converts starches to fermentable sugars. [source]
Whole Grain Dishes
CulinaryThe intact kernels can be cooked as a nutritious whole grain, used in soups, stews, grain bowls, and pilaf-style dishes. Chevalier's tender hull and good flavor make it pleasant for whole grain consumption. [source]
Animal Feed & Livestock
HouseholdChevalier barley grain is an excellent feed grain for poultry, cattle, and other livestock, providing balanced nutrition. The straw can also be used for animal bedding. [source]
Barley Water & Health Beverage
MedicinalChevalier barley can be boiled to create traditional barley water, used in folk medicine for digestive health and as a soothing beverage. Modern studies support potential benefits for cholesterol and digestive function. [source]
Heritage Grain Preservation
CraftChevalier is valued by heritage seed savers and small-scale farmers as a historically significant barley variety that preserves agricultural biodiversity. Growing and saving seed maintains this important grain for future generations. [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 is hard and heads are golden-brown, typically when moisture is 12-15%. Cut stalks with a sickle or mechanical harvester, bundle, and thresh to separate grain from chaff. For malting applications, harvest at lower moisture (12-14%) and store in cool, dry conditions. Cure in the field for 1-2 weeks if weather permits to reduce artificial drying needs.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chevalier barley was developed in the early 1900s and became one of the most famous malting barleys, particularly in the UK and for Scotch whisky production.
- 🌱 Two-row barleys like Chevalier have two rows of kernels on the grain head, compared to six-row varieties; they typically have larger kernels and are preferred for malting.
- 🌱 Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains, domesticated over 10,000 years ago, and Chevalier represents a direct link to traditional brewing heritage.
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