How to Grow Emmer Wheat
Triticum dicoccum
Emmer wheat (farro) is a hardy ancient grain that thrives in full sun and poor to moderate soil. Sow winter emmer in October for harvest the following July, or spring emmer in March for a late-summer harvest. Broadcast at 15-20 g per sq m or drill in rows 15-20 cm apart at 3 cm depth. It needs minimal care — no heavy feeding, low water once established. Watch for rust and aphids. Harvest when ears are golden-brown; expect extra threshing effort to remove the hulls. A 10 sq m plot yields enough farro for a season of hearty soups and farrotto.
When to Start
Direct sow outdoors as soon as soil reaches 3°C — typically early to mid spring. Hardy enough to tolerate light frosts.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Apply a low-nitrogen balanced fertilizer at tillering in early spring. Emmer thrives on poor to moderate soils and does not need heavy feeding. Excess nitrogen causes lodging of the tall awned stems.
- Emmer wheat (farro medio) is one of humanity's oldest cultivated grains, grown for over 10,000 years. It differs from modern bread wheat in its hulled grains — each kernel is tightly enclosed in a glume that must be removed after threshing. The plant is tall (80-120 cm) with distinctive long awns on the ear. It tolerates poor soils, drought, and cooler conditions better than modern wheat. Winter-sown emmer yields more; spring-sown is possible but lower yielding. The grain has a rich, nutty flavour and is prized for risotto-style dishes (farrotto) and soups.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 3°C+
- Germination temperature
- 3–22°C
- Direct sow
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 5 cm |
| Row spacing | 20 cm |
| Sow depth | 3 cm |
| Mature height | 100 cm |
| Mature spread | 15 cm |
Broadcast sow at 15-20 g per sq m, or drill in rows 15-20 cm apart. Thin to 5 cm within rows. Dense stands suppress weeds and support the tall awned stems.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 3°C |
| Germination temperature | 3–22°C |
| Base growth temperature | 3.5°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | long day |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Emmer Wheat?
- Plant Emmer Wheat 5cm apart with 20cm between rows.
- Is Emmer Wheat frost hardy?
- Emmer Wheat is classified as Hardy.
