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How to Grow Pendulum Barley

Pendulum Barley

Hordeum vulgare 'Pendulum'

grass

Pendulum barley is a six-row hulled barley variety characterized by its distinctive drooping or pendulous seed heads that hang downward as they mature. This grain crop is primarily used for malting in brewing and whiskey production, though it also serves as livestock feed and can be grown for ornamental interest. The variety is known for reliable yields and good disease resistance in temperate climates.

Looking for a specific variety?

Pendulum Concord Harrington Moravian Scarlett Vlata

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Example Pendulum Barley timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Pendulum Barley

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Pendulum Barley

    Around Jul 26

    ≈ 100 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pendulum Barley dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, minimum 6 hours daily; 8+ hours preferred for optimal grain development
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Water: Moderate and consistent moisture during growing season; approximately 15-20 inches of water total (including rainfall) over the growing period. Reduce watering as crop matures to encourage ripening.
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Spacing: Plant in rows 6-8 inches apart; seed density of 1.5-2 million seeds per acre (roughly 70-80 seeds per square foot for home gardens) inches
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Days to maturity: 100-130 days depending on variety, planting time, and growing conditions
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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to clay loam soil
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or well-rotted manure for fertility Nitrogen fertilizer (moderate application) Phosphorus for root development Potassium for disease resistance

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 4-8; can be grown as winter or spring crop depending on location

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

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Emergence

7-14 days

Seeds germinate underground and seedlings emerge with primary roots and first leaves. Plants are very short and delicate.

Ensure consistent soil moisture. Protect from birds and rodents. Maintain weed-free conditions. No fertilizer needed yet.

2

Tillering & Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plants develop multiple shoots (tillers) from the base, creating a bushy appearance with 3-5 leaves visible on main shoots. Plants grow 4-8 inches tall.

Apply nitrogen fertilizer at this stage for vigorous growth. Ensure adequate moisture. Scout for pests and diseases. Control weeds actively.

3

Boot & Heading

2-3 weeks

The flower head forms inside the leaf sheath (boot stage), then emerges. The distinctive pendulous head begins to develop and elongate. Plants reach 18-24 inches in height.

Reduce nitrogen to prevent lodging. Maintain consistent moisture. Monitor for disease (powdery mildew, leaf spot). Ensure good air circulation.

4

Flowering & Grain Fill

2-3 weeks

Flowers open and pollination occurs. Grains begin developing within the florets. The characteristic drooping appearance of the seed head becomes pronounced. Plant stems harden.

Avoid excess nitrogen which causes lodging. Maintain moderate water. Monitor for Hessian flies and aphids. Do not overwater now.

5

Ripening & Maturity

2-3 weeks

Grains harden and dry. Seed head droops significantly under the weight of mature grain. Color changes from green to golden-brown. Plants dry down naturally.

Cease watering. Allow natural drying. Prepare harvest equipment. Monitor moisture content (target 12-13% for storage). Harvest when grains cannot be indented with thumbnail.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Peas Beans Alfalfa Clover Lupine

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Anise Other cereal grains in very close proximity (disease management) Susceptible vegetable crops (compete for nutrients)

Common Pests

  • Plant resistant varieties; practice crop rotation; avoid planting too early in fall; plow under crop residue promptly

  • Monitor populations; use insecticidal soap if severe; encourage natural predators; resistant varieties available

  • Hand-pick if populations are low; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) if needed; encourage birds and parasitic wasps

  • Choose resistant varieties; ensure good air circulation; avoid excess nitrogen; apply sulfur fungicide if necessary

  • Use disease-free seed; practice crop rotation; remove infected plant debris; apply fungicide if severe

Uses

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Malting for Beer & Whiskey

Culinary

Pendulum barley is highly prized for malting due to its consistent composition and excellent enzyme development. The grain is soaked, allowed to germinate, then kiln-dried to create malt used by brewers and distillers worldwide. [source]

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Whole Grain & Flour

Culinary

Barley grains can be cooked whole (pearl barley or hulled barley) for soups, stews, and grain bowls, or ground into flour for baking bread and baked goods with a slightly nutty flavor. [source]

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Animal Feed

Livestock

Barley grain and straw are nutritious feed for cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, providing energy and fiber. It is a staple grain in livestock diets globally. [source]

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Health & Wellness

Medicinal

Barley contains beta-glucans, a soluble fiber linked to improved cholesterol levels and blood sugar control. Barley water and whole grains are traditional remedies used in herbal medicine. [source]

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Decorative & Craft

Ornamental

The distinctive pendulous seed heads are attractive in dried arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts. The drooping habit makes it visually interesting in ornamental grain gardens. [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 reaches physiological maturity (grains cannot be indented with a fingernail) and moisture content drops to 12-13%. Cut plants at the base with a sickle, scythe, or harvester. Bundle and allow to dry further in the field if moisture is still high. Thresh by rubbing heads between hands or using a flail/mechanical thresher. Winnow to separate grain from chaff. Store in cool, dry conditions.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Pendulum barley's drooping seed heads are a natural adaptation that may help shed water and reduce disease pressure by improving air circulation within the crop canopy.
  • 🌱 Barley is one of the oldest cultivated crops, with evidence of cultivation dating back over 10,000 years to the Fertile Crescent, and it remains the world's fourth-largest grain crop by production.
  • 🌱 The malting process converts barley's starches into fermentable sugars and develops enzymes, fundamentally transforming the grain's chemistry and flavor profile—this is why malted barley is essential for brewing beer and whiskey production.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun pH Pollination
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