Spelt (Triticum aestivum var. spelta) is an ancient grain that has seen a strong resurgence in modern agriculture. This subspecies of common wheat is a hardy crop, valued for its adaptability and ability to thrive in conditions where modern wheat varieties struggle, such as soils with lower fertility. Cultivators are drawn to spelt for its unique, slightly nutty and sweeter flavor profile, along with its nutritional density. Growing this grain involves specific steps, from selecting the proper planting time to mastering the unique processing requirements after harvest.
Preparing the Field and Planting Spelt
Spelt adapts to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay loams, but performs best in well-drained locations. It tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0 to 7.5), though a pH around 6.0 is optimal. Spelt requires fewer external nutrients than modern wheat varieties. Before planting, the seed should be cleaned and its germination rate tested.
Planting time depends on the variety chosen. Winter spelt, the most common choice, is planted in the fall, typically around mid-September, allowing growth before the first hard frost. Spring spelt is planted around mid-April and harvested later in the summer. Since the seed is traditionally sown with the hull attached, germination is often slower than with common wheat.
When sowing, set a grain drill to the calibration used for oats, aiming for 80 to 100 pounds per acre. Plant the seed at least 1.25 inches deep (3 to 7 centimeters), potentially deeper if the seedbed is dry. Ensuring the seed is covered helps establish a strong root system. If fall germination is sparse, using a spiked-tooth harrow in the early spring encourages tillering, which fills in gaps.
Managing Spelt During the Growing Season
Spelt tolerates dry conditions and generally does not require irrigation after establishment, except during intense heat or prolonged drought. Growers must avoid over-watering, as excessive moisture weakens stems and increases the likelihood of lodging. The plant’s tall stature and large leaf mass help it compete against weeds once established. However, because spelt emerges slowly, it is vulnerable to fast-growing weeds early in the season.
Weed management relies heavily on cultural practices. Planting into a clean, weed-free seedbed is important, and dense sowing rates create a thick canopy that shades out competing growth. Crop rotation is also useful; growers should avoid planting spelt immediately following other cereal grains.
Spelt efficiently utilizes soil nutrients and requires a lighter fertilization regimen than common wheat. Apply 10 to 20 pounds less nitrogen per acre than typically used for winter wheat. Excessive nitrogen promotes rapid, weak stem growth, significantly increasing lodging risk. An application of 50 to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre is usually sufficient, often applied in a complete fertilizer at seeding, with a potential topdressing in early spring.
The tight hull provides a natural defense against some soil-borne pathogens and fungal diseases. Despite this protection, spelt is susceptible to issues like loose smut and stinking smut. Monitoring for fungal concerns, such as Fusarium, is also important, as this fungus can produce the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). Crop rotation remains the most effective preventative measure for reducing disease transmission.
Harvesting Spelt Grain
Harvest typically occurs just before the standard winter wheat harvest. The grain is ready when the straw has turned yellow and the kernels break cleanly when crushed. For mechanical harvesting, the grain moisture content must be 14% or less to prevent spoilage and ensure efficient processing.
Spelt can be harvested using a combine harvester or, for smaller plots, by hand with a sickle. If combining, adjust the machine settings to those used for harvesting oats. The tough hull remains tightly attached to the kernel after standard threshing, unlike common wheat. This retained hull accounts for 20% to 30% of the total harvested weight and requires specific combine adjustments to minimize kernel damage.
If the field is weedy, the crop can be windrowed—cut and allowed to dry in the field for several days. This dries out the weeds, resulting in a cleaner final threshing. Harvesting must occur during dry conditions, as moisture above the 14% threshold compromises quality and storage stability. Proper timing minimizes the need for post-harvest drying.
Processing and Storing the Harvest
After harvest, the grain must be dried to 14% moisture content or lower before safe storage. A defining feature of spelt processing is the required hulling step, an additional operation not needed for common wheat. Since the hull remains bonded to the kernel after harvest, it must be physically removed before the grain can be milled into flour or consumed.
Hulling is an energy-intensive process requiring specialized equipment, such as impact or modified clover hullers. These machines typically work by throwing the grain against a fixed metal surface to knock the hull off the kernel. The resulting mixture of kernels and hulls is then separated using air currents and vibrating sieves, which sort the components based on density and size.
Spelt is often stored un-hulled, as the tough glumes protect against pests and maintain quality for longer periods. Whether hulled or un-hulled, the grain should be placed in sealed containers and stored in a cool, dry area. Maintaining a storage temperature below 55°F is recommended to preserve the grain’s freshness and nutritional properties.