Spelt (Triticum spelta), an ancient grain, is gaining interest for its nutritional qualities and adaptability. This cereal grain has a nutty flavor and can be ground into flour, making it versatile for culinary uses. Its robust nature makes it suitable for home cultivation, offering a sustainable food source. This guide provides practical steps for growing spelt from planting to harvest.
Understanding Spelt and Site Selection
Spelt is a hardy grain, often more tolerant of cold than modern wheat. It thrives in moderate temperatures, ideally 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C). While it withstands colder conditions, extreme temperatures, especially frost during flowering, can impact yield.
When selecting a variety, consider winter or spring spelt. Winter spelt is planted in fall, going dormant in colder months and maturing the following summer. Spring spelt is sown in early spring. Spelt requires full sun exposure (at least six to eight hours daily) for healthy growth. A well-drained site is also important to prevent waterlogged conditions that harm plants.
Preparing the Soil and Planting Spelt
Before planting, conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Spelt prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). If outside this range, add amendments like lime to increase pH. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, improves soil fertility and structure.
Prepare the seedbed similar to winter wheat, either by tilling to several inches deep for a loose surface, or using no-till methods. For winter spelt, plant in fall, around mid-September in temperate regions. Spring spelt should be sown in early spring, often around the last frost date or a week prior.
Sow spelt seeds 1 to 2 inches deep. If the seedbed is dry, plant slightly deeper than winter wheat. Home gardeners can broadcast seeds by hand or with a spreader, then gently rake them into the top 2 inches of soil for good seed-to-soil contact. A recommended seeding rate is 2 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.
Ongoing Spelt Care
Spelt has moderate water requirements, but consistent moisture benefits germination and grain-filling. During germination, keep soil moist for 7 to 10 days until seedlings emerge. After establishment, spelt generally needs little watering, though irrigation can be used on hot, dry days if soil becomes parched. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause lodging (grains growing too tall and falling over).
Fertilization needs for spelt are similar to winter wheat. Apply a complete fertilizer at seeding, based on soil test results, avoiding direct contact with seeds. An additional nitrogen topdressing in early spring can improve yields. However, use 10 to 20 pounds less nitrogen per acre than for wheat; spelt has tall straw, and excess nitrogen increases lodging risk.
Weed control is generally less of an issue for fall-planted spelt, as it is a vigorous, fast-growing crop that outcompetes many weeds. For spring-planted spelt, prepare soil in fall and allow weeds to sprout before re-tilling to reduce problems the following year. Mulching with a 2 to 4-inch straw layer after sowing also suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
Spelt is resilient to pests and diseases, partly due to its tough outer husk. However, it can be susceptible to common issues like rusts, mildews, and certain insect pests. Crop rotation is an effective prevention strategy; planting spelt in the same soil where another cereal crop grew previously can increase disease risk. Regular observation helps identify problems early.
Harvesting Your Spelt Crop
Proper harvest timing maximizes yield and quality. Spelt is ready for harvest when plants and seeds are sufficiently dry. Visual cues include the plant and heads changing from green to golden-brown or straw color. Kernels should be hard and resist denting when bitten, indicating 14% moisture content or less. Harvesting too early, when kernels are soft, can lead to spoilage.
Home growers can use several harvest methods. For smaller plots, hand-cutting with a sickle is practical. For larger areas, a scythe can be used. Once cut, bundle the grain into “shocks” and stack upright in the field or move to a dry location for further drying. This prevents mold and reduces moisture before processing.
Post-Harvest Processing and Storage
After harvest and initial drying, separate the grain from plant material for storage. Spelt has a tough outer husk that remains on the grain after harvest, unlike modern wheat. This husk must be removed by threshing, which separates grain from the head and straw. For small quantities, beat bundles with a flail or rub grain on a textured surface, like a rubber mat, to loosen hulls.
After threshing, winnow the grain and hull mixture to separate lighter chaff from heavier grain. Pour the threshed material from one container to another in a gentle breeze; the wind carries away lighter chaff while denser grain falls. Repeat for cleaner grain.
After threshing and winnowing, thoroughly clean the spelt grain to remove debris. Ensure grain is completely dry before storage to prevent mold. Store spelt in cool, dry, dark conditions, ideally 40°F to 60°F (4°C to 15°C). Airtight containers, like food-grade buckets or glass jars, maintain freshness and prevent pest infestations. Properly stored whole spelt grains remain fresh for several months, or up to a year in a freezer. Home-grown spelt can then be milled into flour or cooked as a whole grain.