Triticum spelta, often called dinkel, is an ancient grain and a subspecies of wheat experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Unlike modern Triticum aestivum (common wheat), spelt maintains a unique genetic profile because it has not undergone extensive hybridization. Spelt is distinct due to its tight, protective outer husk, which remains firmly attached to the kernel after threshing. This characteristic hull contributes to spelt’s hardiness and defines its cultivation and post-harvest handling.
Site Selection and Sowing
Spelt is a cool-season cereal that is highly adaptable, growing well in soils ranging from moderate to low fertility, including poorly-drained areas. Its hardy nature allows it to perform better than common wheat in less-than-ideal environments, requiring fewer external inputs. Optimal soil pH for spelt is around 6.0, similar to winter wheat.
Planting time is flexible, allowing for both fall and spring sowing depending on the region and variety. Fall planting is common in temperate areas, typically occurring from mid-September to early October, allowing the plant to establish before winter dormancy. Spring varieties are planted as soon as the soil is workable.
Spelt seed is traditionally sown with the hull intact, which provides protection but can slow germination and occasionally block standard seeding equipment. The recommended planting depth is between 3 to 7 centimeters, with slightly deeper placement in sandier or drier soils to ensure adequate moisture. Seeding rates vary; unhulled spelt is often planted at a higher rate (80 to 150 pounds per acre) to compensate for the hull’s weight and slower emergence.
Crop Care During the Growing Season
Once established, spelt requires minimal intensive management due to its robust growth habit and natural competitiveness. Spelt plants grow tall and produce large leaves that shade the ground, effectively suppressing common weeds. This natural weed-control mechanism means chemical herbicides are often unnecessary for a healthy crop.
The crop is recognized for its drought tolerance and low water needs; irrigation is usually not required unless conditions are exceptionally hot and dry. Excessive watering or over-fertilization can encourage the plant to grow too tall, leading to lodging, where the stems bend and fall over.
Fertilizer needs for spelt are significantly lower than those for modern wheat. The plant performs well in low-nitrogen soils, and excess nitrogen should be avoided as it increases the risk of lodging due to the long, pithy stems. If a nitrogen topdressing is necessary in early spring, it should contain 10 to 20 pounds less nitrogen per acre than applied to common wheat.
Identifying and Managing Common Threats
Spelt’s relative resistance to many common grain afflictions is largely attributed to its tightly adhering hull. This husk acts as a physical barrier, protecting the kernel from pests and diseases. However, spelt is not immune to all threats that affect cereal crops.
Fungal diseases, such as rusts and smuts, can still pose a problem for spelt. Smut fungi can infect the seed, so treating the seed with a fungicide before planting may be necessary. Crop rotation is the most effective organic management strategy, as avoiding planting spelt after other cereal crops helps break the disease cycle and reduces pathogen buildup.
While hardy, spelt is susceptible to the same insect pests that affect common wheat, such as aphids. Aphids may be managed organically by introducing natural predators or using insecticidal soap and water mixtures. Monitoring the field is the most reliable defense, allowing for early intervention before the yield is compromised.
Harvesting and Dehulling
Spelt harvest typically occurs when the straw is completely yellow and the grain moisture content is 14% or less. This timing is usually slightly later than winter wheat but earlier than many spring grains. Threshing aims to separate the spikelets from the straw without removing the hull, often by setting the combine cylinder speed to a slow rate.
The tough glumes, or hull, remain firmly attached after initial threshing, comprising 20% to 30% of the total grain weight. This differs distinctly from modern “free-threshing” wheat, where the hull is easily removed during harvest. Spelt must be stored and shipped with the hull intact, which helps preserve the grain’s freshness and nutritional qualities.
Before the grain can be milled or consumed, the hull must be mechanically removed in a separate process called dehulling. This specialized step requires dedicated equipment, such as a dehuller, which rubs or spins the grain against an abrasive surface to crack the hull off. The dehuller’s speed must be carefully calibrated; if too fast, the kernel can be damaged or broken, reducing quality. After dehulling, the mixture of kernels and hulls must be cleaned using aspiration to separate the lighter chaff from the heavier spelt berries.