How to Grow Dinkel
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Dinkel
Triticum dicoccum
grassDinkel, also known as spelt, is an ancient hulled wheat variety with a nutty flavor and higher protein content than modern bread wheat. It has a distinctive appearance with long awns and remains enclosed in tough glumes even when threshed. This heritage grain is experiencing renewed interest for artisanal baking and nutrition.
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Example Dinkel timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dinkel
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 Dinkel
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dinkel dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-7; can grow in zones 3-8 depending on variety and conditions
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Germination & Emergence
1-2 weeksSeeds germinate and seedlings emerge with initial leaf growth visible within 7-10 days
Ensure consistent soil moisture; protect from birds and heavy rain that may compact soil. Sow in fall (September-October) for winter wheat or early spring for spring wheat.
Vegetative Growth
6-10 weeksPlant develops multiple tillers (shoots) and establishes deep root system; leaves are narrow and blue-green in color
Monitor for pest pressure and disease. Winter varieties need cold period for vernalization. Avoid excessive nitrogen which causes lodging.
Stem Elongation & Heading
4-6 weeksStems lengthen rapidly; distinctive awned heads emerge from the leaf sheath with florets beginning to develop
Watch for powdery mildew and septoria leaf blotch. Provide consistent moisture during this critical growth phase. Tall awns make plants prone to lodging in wind.
Flowering & Grain Fill
3-4 weeksHeads fully emerged and flowering; grain develops within the spikelet. Husks (glumes) remain tightly adhered to grain
Crucial period for grain development; maintain consistent water supply. Pest pressure generally decreases. Monitor for Hessian flies and Frit flies if present.
Maturity & Harvest
2-3 weeksHeads turn golden-brown and dry out; grain hardens and reaches physiological maturity. Hulls remain firmly attached to grain.
Harvest when moisture content drops to 12-15% for safe storage. Dinkel requires threshing and hulling to remove the tough glumes. Cut, bundle, dry, then thresh.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Resistant varieties available; delay planting after pest emergence windows; clean cultivation of debris
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Monitor for larvae; cultural practices like removing nearby grasses; insecticide application if severe
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Resistant varieties; maintain crop health; removal of dead grass and debris
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Crop rotation; avoid planting near susceptible hosts; early sowing can avoid peak fly pressure
Uses
Artisanal Baking & Flour
CulinaryDinkel flour produces distinctive bread and pastries with a nutty, complex flavor. It's favored by traditional bakeries and heritage grain enthusiasts for unique loaves and whole grain products. [source]
Whole Grain Porridge & Sides
CulinaryHulled dinkel berries can be cooked as a hearty cereal or grain side dish similar to farro or barley, with a firm texture and earthy taste. [source]
Nutritional Profile & Mineral Content
MedicinalDinkel is higher in protein, fiber, and minerals (magnesium, zinc, phosphorus) compared to modern wheat, and some people report better digestibility despite containing gluten. [source]
Straw & Animal Bedding
HouseholdDinkel produces long, sturdy straw valuable for livestock bedding, thatching, and traditional craft materials. [source]
Decorative & Craft Uses
CraftDistinctive golden-brown hulled grain heads and straw are used in floral arrangements, craft projects, and dried decorations. [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 are fully dry and brown (moisture ~12-15%) by cutting the stems 4-6 inches above ground. Bind into bundles and allow to cure in the field for 1-2 weeks if weather permits. Thresh using a combine harvester or traditional flail. The hull remains attached—traditional dehulling requires a stone mill or specialized equipment. Yields typically 30-50 bushels per acre under good conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dinkel (spelt) was a staple grain in ancient Rome and the medieval world; Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century German abbess, praised it as the most healthy grain for strengthening the body and mood.
- 🌱 Unlike modern wheat, dinkel's hull adheres tightly to the grain kernel, requiring dehulling before milling into flour—this is why it was largely abandoned during industrialization but is now valued by artisan millers.
- 🌱 Dinkel is more resilient in marginal soils and cooler climates than bread wheat, making it suitable for sustainable and heritage farming operations in northern regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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