Hordeum vulgare (Common barley)

Botanical name

Hordeum vulgare

Other names

Common barley, Frumentum hordeum, Hordeum sativum, Hordeum nigrum, Hordeum durum, Secale orientale

Genus

Hordeum Hordeum

Species

H. vulgare - H. vulgare is a narrow, tufted, annual grass grown for cereal production with erect stems bearing few, linear, mid-green leaves and dense, pale green flower spikes followed by green, edible seeds ready for harvest when golden-brown.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Erect

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Colour

Flower

Pale-green in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids

General care

Pruning

Harvest when leaves are golden-yellow.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Hordeum vulgare (Common barley) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.2m after 2-3 months.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Drying, Flavouring food and drinks, Low Maintenance, Prairie planting

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, light, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Sow in cool soil no deeper than 4.5cm. Sow in mid-autumn for winter harvest, mid-winter for spring harvest. Weed regularly, water sparingly.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Hordeum vulgare (Common barley)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Meloidogyne minor

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Present (Unknown Distribution)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode pest mainly affecting turf. Previously found in UK and likely to be spreading. Relevant industries e.g. Turf producers; potato growers; should monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect themselves.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/