SPELT
Other Common Names Include:
dinkel
Latin Name: Triticum aestivum var. spelta
Plant Family: Poaceae
Close Relatives: members of the wheat family
Uses and Markets: Culinary: pastas, high fibre cereals etc.; Livestock feed
Production Life Cycle in Ontario
Annual
Hardiness Zone
5-8 (depending on variety). Generally lavandins or hybrid varieties (Lavandula x intermedia) are less hardy.
Special Notes
Spelt is grown similarly to winter wheat. It takes longer to mature, but is more winter hardy. Spelt is mostly grown under organic crop production techniques for high value specialty markets. Champ is an improved variety developed by the Ohio State University.
Propagation method
Seeds. Plant into moisture ideally at a depth of 2.5 cm
Greenhouse Seeding/Propagation Dates
N/A
Field Seeding Date:
Fall, similar to winter wheat
Field Transplanting Dates
N/A
In-row spacing
1-1.5 cm
Between row spacing
18-19 cm
Optimal Soil temperature at planting
N/A
Fertility
Refer to the OMAFRA publication 811, Agronomy for Field Crops for fertility recommendations for winter wheat. Excess nitrogen can cause lodging in spelt.
Soil type
All soil types; will grow on low-fertility and poorly drained soils
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline, pH 6-8
Special requirements for growth habit
None.
Optimal Temperature Range
Temperate climate
Temperature sensitivity
None
Irrigation requirements
Irrigation usually not required.
Days to harvest
slightly longer than winter wheat
Specialized equipment
None
Harvest
Harvest Scheduling
Single harvest. When direct combined, moisture level should be 14%.
Hand harvest or machine harvest
machine harvest
Quality parameters/grades
No established grades. Quality is determined by the market.
Additional Harvest Notes
Harvesting is similar to winter wheat.
Post harvest
Special handling/curing
dry to 14% moisture
Storage Conditions: similar to winter wheat
Relative humidity (RH): N/A
Temperature: N/A
Air Exchange: N/A
Duration: One or more years if properly stored (oil and dried products)
Specific pests observed on this crop in Ontario (observations based on limited experience with this crop)
Insects and Invertebrates:
Diseases:
Other Potential Pests:The following pests have not been observed on this crop in Ontario. However, they are either significant concerns for closely related plants in Ontario, or are reported on this crop in other production areas. This is not a comprehensive list of all potential pests. Not all of these pests will necessarily survive Ontario’s climate, but could potentially survive in a protected environment (e.g. greenhouse, storage facility).
Insects and Invertebrates:
Diseases:
*Indicates pests commonly mentioned as causing significant damage or economic loss to this crop in other regions.
Comments
Spelt is a subspecies of wheat and pests are likely to be very similar to pests of conventional wheat in Ontario. Refer to OMAFRA Publication 811 – Agronomy Guide for Field Crops for information on common pests of wheat in Ontario.
This crop is in Crop Group 15: Cereal Grains. For more information on Crop Groups, refer to the Pest section. Some pest control products registered on wheat may also be applied to this crop. Refer to OMAFRA Publication 812 – Field Crop Protection Guide for products registered on conventional wheat. Always refer to product labels, and follow all directions specified on the label, before applying any pest control product. For more information, consult an OMAFRA specialist.
None
none
- Lee, C. (2004). Spelt. University of Kentucky-College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
- OMAFRA. (2009). Agronomy Guide for Field Crops: Publication 811. Toronto: OMAFRA
- Oplinger, E.S., E.A. Oelke, A.R. Kaminski, K.A. Kelling, J.D. Doll, B.R. Doll, B.R. Durgan and R.T> Schuler. 1990. Spelt. In: Alternative Field Crops Manual. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension and University of Minnesota Extension Service.
