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How to Grow Red Spelt

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Red Spelt

Triticum spelta subsp. spelta

grass

Red Spelt is an ancient hulled wheat variety with reddish-brown kernels, prized for its nutty flavor and nutritional density. It is a hardy, tall-growing grain crop that has been cultivated for thousands of years in Europe and the Middle East. The plant produces distinctive four-sided seed heads and is often grown as a specialty grain for flour, baking, and whole-grain products.

Looking for a specific variety?

Schwabenkorn Red Hulk Oberkulmer Rotkorn Dunkelroter Spelz Dickkopf

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Example Red Spelt timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Red Spelt

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Red Spelt

    Around Aug 15

    ≈ 120 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, minimum 6 hours daily; 8+ hours preferred for optimal growth
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Water: Moderate watering; requires consistent moisture during germination and growth. Approximately 12-15 inches of rainfall per season or supplemental irrigation equivalent. Reduce watering as grain matures to encourage ripening.
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Spacing: 6-8 inches between plants in rows 7-9 inches apart (or broadcast at 1.5-2 bushels per acre) inches
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Days to maturity: 120-150 days (varies by planting date and climate)
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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost or well-rotted manure Balanced organic fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) Lime if pH is below 6.0

Growing Zones

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Zones 4-7; hardy and cold-tolerant, thrives in cooler climates with moderate rainfall

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

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Growth Stages

1

Germination & Emergence

1-2 weeks

Seeds absorb moisture and germinate below soil. Young shoots emerge 7-14 days after planting, forming the first true leaves.

Ensure consistent soil moisture. Protect seedbed from heavy rain or crusting. Keep soil temperature between 40-50°F for optimal germination.

2

Tillering

4-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple shoots from the base, creating a bushy, multi-stemmed structure. Roots deepen significantly.

Maintain adequate moisture and avoid waterlogging. Light nitrogen feeding supports tiller development. Monitor for early pest activity.

3

Stem Elongation & Boot

4-5 weeks

Stems lengthen rapidly, reaching 24-40 inches tall. The developing seed head begins to swell within the leaf sheath (boot stage).

Reduce nitrogen to prevent excessive lodging. Maintain consistent watering. Support tall varieties; use windbreaks if needed. Scout for disease and pests.

4

Flowering & Grain Development

3-4 weeks

Seed head emerges fully; flowers are small and inconspicuous. Grains begin filling with starch and develop their reddish color.

Reduce irrigation as plant naturally dries. Avoid overhead watering that may promote fungal disease. Monitor for Hessian flies and Fusarium.

5

Maturation & Harvest Readiness

2-3 weeks

Grain hardens completely; kernels are firm and reddish-brown. Stalks yellow and dry; seed heads droop slightly. Moisture content drops to 12-15%.

Stop all irrigation. Allow 7-10 days of dry weather before harvest. Cut, bundle, and store in dry conditions to prevent mold.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Legumes (vetch, hairy vetch) Clover Rye Oats Winter peas

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders requiring excessive nitrogen Other wheat varieties (for seed purity)

Common Pests

  • Rotate crops; avoid late fall sowing; use resistant varieties; eliminate volunteer wheat; maintain sanitation.

  • Monitor for larvae; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if populations exceed threshold; encourage natural predators.

  • Crop rotation; destroy infested stubble; plow under residue; select resistant varieties.

  • Monitor regularly; spray with insecticidal soap if severe; encourage natural predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

  • Plant resistant varieties; avoid excess nitrogen; improve air circulation; remove infected heads; rotate crops.

Uses

🍳

Whole Grain & Ancient Flour

Culinary

Red Spelt kernels can be cooked whole like rice or ground into a nutty, protein-rich flour ideal for bread, pasta, and pastries. The flour has a distinctive earthy flavor and is prized by artisan bakers for sourdough and heritage grain breads. [source]

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Nutritious Grain Bowls

Culinary

Whole or cracked Red Spelt grains serve as a hearty, filling base for grain bowls, salads, and pilafs, offering high protein and fiber content compared to modern wheat. [source]

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Nutritional & Digestive Support

Medicinal

Red Spelt is rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and fiber, supporting metabolic and digestive health. Some traditional herbalists use spelt in tonics and remedies for sustained energy. [source]

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Straw & Bedding

Household

The tall, sturdy straw is excellent for livestock bedding, mulch, or craft applications such as thatching, weaving, and ornamental arrangements. [source]

🎨

Heritage Grain Seed & Biodiversity

Craft

Growing and saving Red Spelt seeds preserves genetic diversity and supports the sustainability movement toward heirloom and ancient grains, enabling home gardeners to participate in seed-saving heritage programs. [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 moisture reaches 12-15% and stalks are golden-brown; this typically occurs 120-150 days after planting. Cut with a sickle, scythe, or mechanical grain harvester; bundle stems loosely and allow 7-10 days for final drying before threshing. Thresh to remove hulls; store in cool, dry conditions (below 60°F, 10-12% moisture) to prevent insect infestation and mold. For small-scale production, hand-thresh by beating bundles or using a flail.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Red Spelt has been cultivated since around 9000 BCE and was a staple grain of ancient Rome, Egypt, and the Middle East; it remains the national grain of Switzerland.
  • 🌱 Unlike modern bread wheat, spelt is a hulled grain, meaning the kernel is encased in a tough hull that must be removed before milling, which historically provided natural pest protection and longer shelf life.
  • 🌱 Red Spelt is often considered more tolerable for people with wheat sensitivities due to its different gluten structure and protein profile, though it still contains gluten and is not suitable for celiac disease sufferers.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Germination True Leaves
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