Barley is a versatile cereal grain cultivated globally for livestock feed, cover cropping, and malting. Successful cultivation requires securing high-quality seed suited to its intended use and local environment. This guide outlines the factors and purchasing channels necessary to acquire the right barley seed for planting.
Selecting the Appropriate Barley Variety
Selecting the appropriate variety requires understanding the barley’s seasonal growing habit and grain structure. Seasonal habit determines planting time and cold tolerance. Spring barley is planted in early spring and harvested by summer. Winter barley is sown in the fall, requires cold exposure (vernalization) to flower, and is harvested the following year. Planting a winter variety in spring prevents grain production.
Barley is also categorized as hulled or hull-less. Hulled varieties have an outer hull that adheres tightly to the kernel and must be mechanically removed before consumption. Hull-less (naked) barley has a loose outer layer that detaches during harvest, requiring minimal processing for feed or food applications. The intended use, such as malting or animal feed, also influences the choice between two-row versus six-row varieties, which affects kernel plumpness and yield potential.
Primary Retail and Agricultural Seed Sources
Buyers typically choose between local agricultural services and specialty online retailers. Agricultural co-operatives and local farm supply stores are reliable sources for bulk, certified seed adapted to regional climates. These local centers offer the convenience of picking up large quantities with minimal shipping costs. They also provide local agronomic advice for selecting proven varieties.
Online specialty retailers offer a broader inventory, including smaller quantities of rare, heirloom, or organic varieties not stocked locally. This is convenient for small-scale growers or those seeking niche varieties. However, online purchases require buyers to diligently vet the seller and examine the seed analysis information before committing.
University Extension Offices
Local university or county extension offices are non-commercial resources. Extension agents provide free, localized advice on the best-performing varieties for the region. They can recommend reputable local seed growers or dealers. They act as an impartial source, helping buyers verify if a seed variety is suitable for their specific growing conditions.
Evaluating Seed Quality and Certification Standards
Ensuring seed quality is paramount and relies on understanding seed tags and certification. The highest standard is Certified Seed, indicated by a blue tag. This guarantees the seed meets stringent standards for genetic purity and identity, confirming it is the variety advertised. Certified seed lots are field-inspected and lab-tested for quality metrics.
The germination rate indicates the percentage of seeds expected to sprout and grow into normal plants under favorable conditions; for certified barley seed, this minimum is often 85%. Purity is listed as a percentage of pure seed by weight, confirming the lot is free from excessive inert matter, which includes dirt or broken plant material. Buyers should also check the percentage of weed seed content, as high levels can introduce noxious weeds to the field, making a purity of 98% or higher desirable.
Seed tags also indicate the treatment status. Seed may be coated with a fungicide or insecticide to protect the seedling from early diseases and pests. Treated seeds require careful handling and are non-organic, while untreated seeds are necessary for organic operations. Always request the current seed analysis report to confirm these metrics, as viability declines over time.
Calculating Purchase Quantity and Optimal Timing
Determining the correct purchase quantity involves a calculation based on the desired plant density and the specific characteristics of the seed lot. The ultimate goal is to achieve a target plant stand, typically 20 to 30 plants per square foot for barley. This calculation requires knowing the seed’s Thousand Kernel Weight (TGW)—the weight in grams of 1,000 seeds—the germination rate, and an estimate of field survival.
The general formula converts the desired number of plants per acre into a bulk weight of seed needed. This factors in the TGW to account for seed size variation, and adjusts upward for the germination rate and expected field loss. This approach ensures planting an adequate number of viable seeds rather than relying on a generic pounds-per-acre recommendation.
Optimal Timing and Storage
Timing the purchase is crucial. Spring barley should be purchased for late winter or very early spring planting. Winter barley seed must be purchased and planted in the late summer or early fall. Purchasing the seed one to two months before the planting window allows time for delivery and equipment calibration, minimizing storage risk. If seed must be stored for an extended period, keep it in a cool, dark, and dry environment, ideally below 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% relative humidity, to maintain viability.