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Barley Seeds

Barley seeds grow into one of the oldest cereal crops, valued for its adaptability to different climates and soil types. This hardy grain loves full sun and can tolerate a range of conditions from moist to arid environments. Barley is grown as an annual. It has tall, slender stalks with seed heads turning golden when ripe, much like wheat. With a fast growth cycle, it’s also very resilient, making it a favored choice for farmers and gardeners. Enjoy a bountiful harvest of grains used in food, animal feed, and so much more.
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We carry vigorous, robust barley grass seeds, perfect for cultivating your own grain supply. Our non-GMO seeds are selected for their strong germination rates and ability to produce high yields of nutritious barley.

Growing Barley Seeds in Your Field or Garden

  • Nutrient-rich cereal grain
  • Adaptable to many climates and soil types
  • Non-GMO, heirloom seeds
  • Versatile use in the garden and kitchen

INTRODUCING BARLEY SEEDS

Barley has been cultivated for millennia. With origins in the Fertile Crescent, it is prized for its quick growth. The nutritional profile makes it a key ingredient in bread, animal food, and beer. Barley has a robust nature; adaptable to USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9, it is accessible to a range of growers. The fact that barley can be cultivated in less fertile soil, withstanding dry conditions, makes it a perfect grain crop or cover crop for sustainable farming.

PLANTING BARLEY SEEDS

Prepare your barley seeds for planting directly into the field in early spring or fall. Sow them about 2 inches deep, in rows 12 to 15 inches apart. Barley prefers a well-draining soil type. However, it can easily adapt to different ground conditions. Germination will start in 7 to 14 days, depending on soil temperature and moisture. For grain production, plant seeds densely. For cover cropping or ornamental use, space them wider apart.

MAINTAINING BARLEY PLANTS

Barley plants require minimal watering once established. This is especially true if grown in areas with regular rainfall. Barley will prosper best in soil with more organic matter; some compost or matured manure incorporation will be beneficial in poor soil types. This crop is generally robust against common threats. Harvest when seed heads are dry and golden. Usually, that will be 90 to 120 days after planting.

Survival Garden Seeds offer the opportunity to grow an ancient grain. Barley seeds provide a nutritious and versatile crop, offering many possibilities. Use it in the kitchen, for brewing, or as a sustainable cover crop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heirloom seeds?

Heirloom seeds are the types of seeds your grandparents grew. These varieties have been passed down from generation to generation. They’re old reliable open-pollinated varieties that aren’t typically grown commercially. Instead, they have a rich history that predates modern breeding techniques. You can learn more about open-pollinated, heirloom, and non-GMO seeds in our Survival Garden Training blog.

How do I know my seeds are fresh?

Every seed packet includes a "packed for" date, and we germination test each seed lot before packaging to ensure you receive viable, high-quality seeds that are ready to grow.

Are your seeds chemically treated?

No, we do not pre-treat our seeds. All of our garden seeds are untreated, open-pollinated, non-GMO, and heirloom varieties. They are kept in temperature-controlled cooler storage until they are packed and shipped to keep them pest and disease-free.

Will your seeds grow in my USDA Hardiness zone?

The seeds in our collections are specifically chosen from varieties that can be successfully grown from Zone 3 to Zone 10 USDA Hardiness Zones. However, individual varieties have specific needs to thrive in different environments. Each seed pack has optimal temperatures for germination and instructions on seed starting. Consult local frost dates to plan your garden and get the most out of your seeds.

What is the shelf life of these garden seeds?

Most seeds remain viable for 3 to 5 years or longer when stored properly. Check your seed packet for specific varieties. For best results, keep your seeds in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store them in an airtight container in a consistent temperature environment—a refrigerator or cool basement works well. Proper storage helps maintain germination rates and extends seed life well beyond the packed date.

Where are Survival Garden Seeds sourced?

The majority of our seeds are sourced in the United States, with a few exceptions when the seed is difficult to source domestically. Whenever we do have to source outside of the US, we ensure our seeds are safe to grow, non-GMO, heirloom varieties that meet our standards for germination and reliability.

Learn more in the blog

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