Cultivation

Barley sowing time

Hordeum vulgare L.

The sowing time for barley is critical for yield formation due to its short growing season and high sensitivity to early spring drought. Optimal periods vary for spring and winter forms based on moisture requirements and the biological characteristics of vernalization.

In the reference 36 varieties crop Barley, where this is mentioned in the description.

Spring barley is sown as early as possible, as soon as the soil warms up to 3–5 °C. This allows the crop to most effectively utilize winter moisture reserves and develop before the onset of summer heat, which, in the case of late sowing, accelerates developmental phases, leads to the formation of a weak root system, and results in shriveled grain. Furthermore, early sowing allows plants to avoid damage by cereal flies and flea beetles.

Winter barley requires strict adherence to sowing dates due to its short vernalization period, which lasts 35–45 days. If sown too early, plants may overgrow before the onset of frost, losing winter hardiness and becoming susceptible to dampening off, whereas late sowing leads to insufficient rooting and crop failure during winter. For flexibility in the process, facultative varieties are also used, allowing for adjustments to sowing dates depending on the region's weather conditions.

General information about the subject — on the page Sowing date.

Sources8

Varieties of Barley mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.