How to Grow Hulless Barley Beaudry
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Hulless Barley Beaudry
Hordeum vulgare var. nudum
grassHulless Barley Beaudry is a spring barley variety bred for Canadian growing conditions, characterized by grains that naturally shed their hulls during threshing. This two-row barley is prized for its higher nutritional content and easier processing compared to hulled varieties, making it valuable for both human consumption and animal feed.
When should you plant Hulless Barley Beaudry in your zone?
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Example Hulless Barley Beaudry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hulless Barley Beaudry
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 Hulless Barley Beaudry
Around Jul 11≈ 85 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hulless Barley Beaudry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best suited to cool-season regions (zones 2-6), particularly well-adapted to Canadian prairie and northern growing conditions
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Get my Hulless Barley Beaudry timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
1-2 weeksSeeds absorb moisture and sprout, with coleoptile emerging 7-14 days after planting. Single shoot visible above soil.
Ensure consistent soil moisture during emergence. Monitor for crusting that may inhibit seedling breakthrough. Protect from heavy rains that could cause soil compaction.
Tillering & Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksMultiple shoots develop from the base, creating a bushy plant with 3-4 tillers per plant. Leaves are narrow and upright; plant height reaches 8-12 inches.
Ensure adequate nitrogen availability during this stage. Monitor soil moisture to support active growth. Weed competition should be minimized as barley establishes.
Jointing & Boot Stage
2-3 weeksMain stem grows taller (12-20 inches), internodes elongate, and the head begins to form inside the boot (leaf sheath). Plant develops characteristic two-row head structure.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive vegetative growth at the expense of grain development. Monitor water availability as head formation begins.
Heading & Flowering
1-2 weeksHead emerges from boot and extends fully. Lemmas and paleas are visible; flowering occurs with anther extrusion. Head exhibits the characteristic two-row arrangement.
Critical growth stage for grain set. Maintain consistent moisture. Monitor for disease pressure (leaf scald, spot blotch). Avoid late nitrogen applications that could reduce grain quality.
Grain Development & Maturity
3-4 weeksGrain fills rapidly from milk stage to dough stage, then hardens. Hulls naturally separate from the grain kernel. Color transitions from green to golden-brown; plant dries down.
As a hulless variety, monitor for proper hull separation during maturation. Allow adequate drying time in the field before harvest. Avoid excess moisture that could cause sprouting or disease.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Choose fly-free seeding dates; use resistant varieties; manage crop residue from previous season
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Monitor larvae populations; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if economic threshold exceeded; encourage natural predators
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Sweep net monitoring; insecticidal control only if economic threshold reached; perimeter spraying in late summer
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Plant virus-resistant varieties if available; control aphid vectors with insecticidal soap in early season; remove infected plants
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Use certified disease-free seed; seed treatment fungicides (e.g., triadimenol); rotate crops
Uses
Whole grain flour and baking
CulinaryHulless barley Beaudry produces a lighter-colored flour with slightly milder flavor than hulled barley. The grain can be sprouted, malted, or ground for breads, baked goods, and whole grain products with improved nutritional bioavailability. [source]
Brewing and malt production
CulinaryBeaudry is specifically developed for malting purposes, producing high-quality malt for craft breweries and distilleries. Its two-row structure and hull-free nature result in efficient enzyme conversion and superior brewing characteristics. [source]
Health-promoting whole grain
MedicinalHulless barley is rich in beta-glucans, a soluble fiber scientifically linked to cholesterol reduction and improved cardiovascular health. The hull-free variety offers easier digestibility and greater nutrient accessibility compared to hulled barley. [source]
Animal feed and livestock nutrition
HouseholdBeaudry barley serves as a high-quality feed grain for cattle, poultry, and swine, with superior digestibility due to the natural hull absence. The grain supports animal growth, milk production, and egg production with balanced nutritional profiles. [source]
Ornamental and heritage grain gardening
CraftAs a heirloom variety adapted to northern climates, Beaudry barley is grown by heritage grain enthusiasts and small-scale farmers preserving genetic diversity. The distinctive seed heads add visual interest to grain garden displays. [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 plant reaches hard dough stage and moisture content drops to 12-15%. Grain should not dent with fingernail pressure. Beaudry hulless barley can be direct combined; the hulls naturally separate during threshing. Optimal harvest timing is when the head hangs slightly downward and color is golden-brown. Handle carefully to minimize grain breakage and preserve the natural hull-free characteristic.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hulless Barley Beaudry was specifically developed by Canadian plant breeders to thrive in short-season growing regions, making it one of the earliest maturing hulless barley varieties available.
- 🌱 The natural hull separation in hulless barley means less processing is required before consumption—the grain can be used directly after threshing and cleaning, unlike hulled barley which requires pearling.
- 🌱 Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains, with evidence of cultivation dating back 10,000 years. Hulless varieties like Beaudry are experiencing a modern revival among craft brewers and health-conscious consumers seeking whole grains.
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