How to Grow Farro Piccolo
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Farro Piccolo
Triticum dicoccum
grassFarro Piccolo is an ancient hulled wheat variety, also known as emmer wheat, characterized by its shorter stature and smaller grain size compared to standard farro. It has been cultivated for over 10,000 years and is prized for its nutty flavor, nutritional density, and historical significance in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This heritage grain is increasingly popular among artisanal farmers and specialty food producers seeking authentic ancient grains.
When should you plant Farro Piccolo in your zone?
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Example Farro Piccolo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Farro Piccolo
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 Farro Piccolo
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Farro Piccolo dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-7; grows in zones 3-8 with proper management
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Get my Farro Piccolo timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate within 7-10 days; young seedlings emerge with narrow grass-like leaves. Plant develops shallow root system and begins tillering (branching).
Ensure consistent soil moisture for first 2-3 weeks. Avoid excessive nitrogen early as it promotes vegetative growth over grain production. Protect from heavy foot traffic.
Vegetative & Tillering
4-6 weeksPlant expands leaf area and develops multiple tillers (shoots). Stems thicken and strengthen. Plant is 6-12 inches tall with established root system.
Monitor for weeds and remove by hand or careful hoeing. Ensure adequate spacing. Reduce watering if rainfall is consistent. Light nitrogen application mid-stage if soil is low in nutrients.
Stem Elongation & Heading
3-4 weeksPlant grows 18-30 inches tall depending on variety and conditions. Flowering head emerges from boot leaf; distinctive hull-covered grain head appears with characteristic twin-grain spikelets.
Reduce nitrogen to prevent lodging (falling over). Ensure adequate water during grain-filling phase. Monitor for Hessian flies and other pests. Support tall varieties if wind is strong.
Flowering & Grain Development
3-4 weeksHeads flower (wheat flowers are inconspicuous) and begin setting grain. Hulled grains develop within protective chaff/glumes. Plant requires significant water and nutrients during this critical stage.
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Avoid insecticide sprays that harm pollinators. Watch for disease in humid conditions. Grain fills from head base upward.
Maturation & Harvest Readiness
2-3 weeksGrain fills completely and hardens; chaff turns golden-brown and becomes brittle. Plant dries down; leaves may brown. Mature grain is hard and resistant to fingernail pressure.
Reduce watering as grain matures. Do not harvest until moisture content drops to 12-14% to prevent mold. Monitor weather; rain after maturity can cause sprouting. Harvest when heads bend downward.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Delay planting to avoid fly emergence window; use resistant varieties; rotate fields away from previous wheat crops; remove crop residue promptly
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Scout regularly; use pheromone traps; encourage natural predators; organic insecticides if population threshold exceeded (threshold: 2-3 larvae per linear foot)
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Plant in fall to avoid peak mite populations; use resistant varieties; control volunteer wheat; remove crop residue in spring
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Choose well-drained field locations; avoid overhead irrigation; select resistant varieties; remove infected heads; rotate crops away from maize
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Remove infected plant material; ensure good air circulation; avoid dense planting; crop rotation; apply sulfur or copper fungicides if severe
Uses
Ancient Grain Cooking
CulinaryFarro Piccolo is cooked similar to risotto or barley, with a chewy texture and nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Used in soups, grain bowls, salads, and traditional Italian recipes like orzotto, it provides a satisfying whole grain with higher protein content than most wheats. [source]
Whole Grain & Flour
CulinaryThe hulled whole grain can be ground into flour for baking artisanal breads, pasta, and specialty baked goods. Farro flour has a distinctive nutty character and is prized by heritage grain bakers for its flavor complexity. [source]
Nutritional Superiority
MedicinalFarro Piccolo is notably high in protein (14-20%), fiber, minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron), and antioxidants compared to modern wheat varieties. It contains intact gluten and is not suitable for celiac patients, but provides superior nutritional density for general health. [source]
Straw & Fodder
HouseholdThe tall straw remaining after grain harvest is excellent for livestock bedding, mulch, or thatching applications. It's more durable and attractive than modern wheat straw. [source]
Heritage Grain Heritage
CraftGrowing Farro Piccolo preserves ancient agricultural heritage and supports biodiversity. Seed-saving and propagation of this 10,000-year-old crop maintains genetic diversity and food sovereignty. [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 (fingernail cannot easily dent kernel) and chaff is golden-brown and brittle, typically 120-150 days after sowing. Grain moisture should be 12-14% for safe storage. Cut stems just above ground with sickle or scythe, or use combine harvester on larger plots. Bundle stalks loosely and dry for 1-2 weeks before threshing to separate grain from chaff. For small quantities, thresh by hand beating bundles over a tarp, then winnow to remove chaff.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Farro Piccolo is one of the oldest domesticated crops, with evidence of cultivation dating back to 10,000 BCE in the Fertile Crescent, predating common bread wheat by millennia.
- 🌱 Unlike modern wheat varieties, Farro Piccolo retains its protective hull around the grain, which must be removed (usually by pearling or stone milling) before cooking, contributing to its unique texture and flavor.
- 🌱 The plant's shorter stature and hulled grain provided natural resistance to lodging (falling over) and pest damage, making it ideal for ancient farming practices and organic/regenerative agriculture today.
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