How to Grow Einkorn Wheat Rousse de Bordeaux

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Einkorn Wheat Rousse de Bordeaux

Triticum monococcum subsp. monococcum

grass

Rousse de Bordeaux is a heritage hulled einkorn wheat variety with reddish-brown kernels and excellent nutritional properties. This ancient grain produces shorter plants than modern wheat and has a nutty, rich flavor valued by bakers and health-conscious consumers. It is a winter annual or spring grain that has been cultivated in France for centuries.

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Example Einkorn Wheat Rousse de Bordeaux timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Einkorn Wheat Rousse de Bordeaux
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Einkorn Wheat Rousse de Bordeaux
Around Sep 24

≈ 160 days after planting

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Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum

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Water: Moderate water needs; approximately 12-15 inches annually. Plant in fall for winter wheat to utilize spring moisture, or in early spring if grown as spring wheat. Avoid waterlogging.

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Spacing: 6-8 inches between plants in rows; rows 7-8 inches apart for dense grain production inches

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Days to maturity: 160-180 days for winter wheat (fall-planted), 120-140 days for spring wheat

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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Balanced organic fertilizer Lime if soil is acidic

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 4-7, particularly in cool to temperate climates with adequate moisture

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

Germination & Emergence

1-2 weeks

Seeds absorb moisture and germinate underground; seedlings emerge as single green shoots with narrow leaves

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good soil contact for reliable germination. Temperatures of 40-50°F optimal for fall seeding.

Tillering & Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks (spring for winter wheat)

Plant produces multiple shoots (tillers) from the base; develops more leaves and deeper root system; grows 6-12 inches tall

For fall-planted winter wheat, this stage occurs in spring after dormancy. Moderate irrigation as needed. Light nitrogen fertilization encourages tillering. Weed management critical at this stage.

Stem Elongation & Booting

3-4 weeks

Main stem elongates; flag leaf emerges; boot stage is when the head is still enclosed in the flag leaf sheath

Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive vegetative growth and lodging. Ensure adequate potassium and phosphorus. Monitor for Hessian flies and Frit flies in vulnerable regions.

Flowering & Heading

1-2 weeks

Head emerges fully from flag leaf; small yellow anthers are visible; plant stands 24-36 inches tall; pollination occurs

Critical water stage—ensure consistent moisture. Avoid water stress. Protect from strong winds to prevent lodging. This stage is vulnerable to frost damage if spring-grown.

Grain Filling & Maturity

3-4 weeks

Kernels develop and fill with starch; head bends downward; plant dries down; kernels harden and turn reddish-brown

Reduce watering as grain matures. Avoid excessive rain at this stage, which can cause sprouting. Plant ready for harvest when moisture content drops to 12-14%.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Field peas Clover Vetch Hairy indigo

Avoid planting near:

Corn (allelopathic effects and pest/disease overlap) Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) in immediate succession Heavy nitrogen feeders in the same season

Common Pests

Plant after recommended fly-free date for your region; use resistant varieties if available; plow under crop residue promptly
Avoid early planting in fall; delay spring planting; rotate crops; no reliable pesticide controls
Monitor for young larvae; cultural controls include removing weeds and debris; biological control with natural predators
Scout regularly; remove heavily infested leaves; encourage beneficial insects; late planting may avoid peak populations
Ensure good air circulation; avoid excessive nitrogen; apply sulfur fungicides if necessary; choose resistant varieties when possible

Uses

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Heritage Grain Flour & Baking

Culinary

Einkorn produces a nutrient-rich flour with a distinctive nutty flavor, lower gluten content, and superior amino acid balance compared to modern wheat. It is prized by artisan bakers for bread, pastries, and whole grain products. [source]

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Enhanced Nutritional Profile

Medicinal

Einkorn contains higher levels of lutein, thiamine, and bioavailable minerals than modern wheat varieties, and its gluten structure may be easier for some individuals to digest. [source]

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Whole Grain & Cereal

Household

Einkorn berries can be cooked whole as a breakfast grain similar to farro or barley, providing a chewy texture and nutty flavor in porridges and grain bowls. [source]

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Heritage Seed Saving & Agricultural History

Craft

Growing Rousse de Bordeaux supports seed sovereignty and preserves ancient agricultural heritage. The variety has been cultivated in Bordeaux for centuries and represents a living connection to traditional French grain culture. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

Grain crops like einkorn provide habitat and pollen resources for beneficial insects including native bees and parasitic wasps that control pest populations. [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 the plant is golden-brown and fully mature, typically late June to early July for winter wheat. Check grain moisture content—harvest when seeds are hard and cannot be dented with a fingernail (12-14% moisture). Cut with a sickle, scythe, or grain cradle, or use a small combine if available. Bundle into sheaves and allow to dry further if needed before threshing. Einkorn retains its hull (chaff layer) tightly, so threshing requires rubbing plants together by hand or using specialized equipment designed for hulled grains.

Fun Facts

🌱 Einkorn (Triticum monococcum) is one of the oldest cultivated wheat species, domesticated approximately 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent, making it a true ancient grain with unbroken cultivation records.
🌱 Rousse de Bordeaux is a hulled wheat, meaning the hull (chaff) does not separate naturally during threshing—it must be removed through additional processing, which preserves nutrients but requires specialized equipment or hand labor.
🌱 Einkorn wheat has only 14 chromosomes (diploid) compared to 42 chromosomes in modern bread wheat (hexaploid), resulting in a simpler genetic structure, distinct flavor profile, and potentially easier digestibility for some people.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Germination pH Pollination

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