How to Grow Hulless Barley Metcalfe
Wikimedia Commons
Hulless Barley Metcalfe
Hordeum vulgare var. nudum
grainHulless Barley Metcalfe is a heritage barley variety that produces grain without a tough outer hull, making it ideal for direct consumption, brewing, and culinary use. This cold-hardy grain crop is prized for its nutritional density and ease of processing compared to hulled varieties. It thrives in cool climates and has excellent storage potential.
When should you plant Hulless Barley Metcalfe in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Hulless Barley Metcalfe timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Hulless Barley Metcalfe
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Hulless Barley Metcalfe
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hulless Barley Metcalfe dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-7; prefers cool climates with moderate moisture
Sign up free to see if Hulless Barley Metcalfe grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Hulless Barley Metcalfe timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and seedlings emerge with first leaf visible above soil within 7-10 days. Young plants are small and vulnerable.
Ensure consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging. Protect from birds and rodents. Keep weeds minimal to reduce competition.
Vegetative/Tillering
3-4 weeksPlant develops multiple shoots (tillers) from the base, creating a bushy growth habit. Leaves are long and narrow; plant height increases to 8-12 inches.
Maintain adequate moisture during this critical stage. Monitor for early weeds and pests. Side-dress with nitrogen if growth appears slow.
Jointing & Boot Stage
2-3 weeksStem elongates rapidly as internodes develop. Plant reaches 18-24 inches tall. Flower head begins forming within the upper leaf sheath (boot stage).
Provide consistent water. This is the most critical stage for water stress—drought now significantly reduces grain yield. Watch for Septoria and powdery mildew.
Heading & Flowering
1-2 weeksSeed head (spike) emerges from leaf sheath and becomes fully visible. Delicate flowers bloom briefly. Plant reaches maximum height of 24-30 inches.
Ensure adequate moisture. Avoid overhead watering if disease pressure is high. Monitor for armyworms and other grain pests.
Grain Filling & Maturity
4-5 weeksGrain develops within each floret and fills with starch. Heads begin to yellow and droop slightly. Grain transitions from soft to hard stage over 3-4 weeks.
Reduce watering as maturity approaches. Harvest when grain is hard and moisture content is 10-14%. Monitor for late-season diseases and bird damage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Choose resistant varieties; avoid planting too early in fall; destroy crop residue
-
Monitor for larvae; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if populations exceed threshold; beneficial insects provide natural control
-
Ensure proper grain drying and storage (below 12% moisture); use food-grade diatomaceous earth in storage
-
Use netting or scare tactics at head stage; harvest promptly when grain matures
-
Improve air circulation; apply sulfur-based fungicide in cool, wet conditions; resistant varieties are available
Uses
Whole grain cooking & nutrition
CulinaryHulless barley cooks whole without pearling, retaining all bran and germ nutrients. It can be cooked as a side dish, added to soups and stews, or ground into flour for baking. [source]
Brewing & fermentation
CulinaryA premium barley for craft brewing and home fermentation. Hulless varieties offer clean flavor profiles and are valued by artisanal brewers and distillers. [source]
Flour & baking
CulinaryGround hulless barley produces nutrient-dense flour rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucans), ideal for baking bread, pancakes, and pastries with added nutritional value. [source]
Cholesterol & digestive health
MedicinalBarley contains high levels of soluble fiber and beta-glucans, which have been shown to support heart health and cholesterol management. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for digestive support. [source]
Animal feed & soil improvement
HouseholdExcellent feed for poultry, livestock, and pets. Can be grown as a cover crop to improve soil structure and add organic matter when tilled back in. [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 heads are golden-brown and grain is hard (thumbnail test: cannot be dented with fingernail). Cut or swath in early morning when moisture is slightly higher to reduce grain loss. Dry grain to 10-12% moisture before storage. Hull-less barley is ready to eat once dried and threshed—no additional processing needed to remove hulls like hulled barley requires.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hulless barley (also called naked barley) has been grown for millennia and was one of the earliest cultivated grains in the Fertile Crescent, predating wheat.
- 🌱 The Metcalfe variety is a Canadian heritage cultivar specifically bred for northern climates and has excellent cold tolerance, making it ideal for short-season growing regions.
- 🌱 Unlike pearled barley (which has been processed to remove the bran), hulless barley retains all its fiber and nutrients, making it roughly 25% higher in dietary fiber and significantly more nutritious.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Hulless Barley Metcalfe planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Hulless Barley Metcalfe seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Hulless Barley Metcalfe timeline →