Jet Black Barley - Organic Cover Crop Seeds

HEIRLOOM, ORGANIC. Jet Black Barley is a drought-tolerant heirloom valued for its versatility and ease of use. Once central to early American agriculture for brewing, animal feed, and food staples, this black hulless, two-rowed barley is ideal for spring planting. It offers a rich, nutty flavor for soups, stews, or grinding into flour, while its hulless nature simplifies cleaning for cooking and seed-saving. Perfect for baking, cover cropping, or enhancing landscapes, it also enriches soil as a green manure. An excellent feed choice, especially for chickens, it provides a nutrient-rich, energy-dense diet that’s easy to digest. GROWING TIPS Direct sow barley seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Barley thrives in cool weather and can tolerate light frosts, making it an ideal early-season crop. Prepare a well-drained seedbed and plant seeds at the recommended depth, spacing evenly in rows. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth but avoid waterlogging. For best results, amend the soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer before planting. Barley prefers full sun and grows well in a variety of soil types, provided they are not overly acidic or saline. SEED FACTS Scientific Name: Hordeum vulgare Days to Maturity: 80-100 Seed Depth: 1/2-1" Days to Sprout: 7-14 Plant Spacing: 2-3" Row Spacing: 6" Light Requirements: Full Sun Plant Height: 24-36" Life Cycle: Annual Frost Tolerance: Hardy