Overview
Ancient wheats—emmer (Triticum dicoccum), einkorn (T. monococcum), and spelt (T. spelta)—are the parent grains from which all modern wheat descended. They offer homesteaders something modern wheat cannot: extreme cold hardiness, tall straw for mulch, hulls that protect grain from pests and rain, nutritional profiles superior to modern wheat, and a different gluten structure that many wheat-sensitive people tolerate better.
Emmer was the wheat of ancient Egypt and Rome—daily bread for millennia before modern wheat replaced it. It's extremely tall (4–5 feet), cold-hardy, and produces hulled grain that's naturally protected from storage pests. Einkorn is the most primitive cultivated wheat, with the simplest genetic structure (diploid) and the highest protein content of any wheat. Spelt is the most versatile ancient wheat, making excellent bread, pasta, and beer.
In Zone 6b/7a, ancient wheats are sown in October as winter grains and harvested in July–August. They require dehulling (removing the tight hull from the grain), which is extra work but provides natural protection against pests and moisture. Small-scale dehullers and grain mills are available for homestead use. These grains are worth the effort—fresh ancient wheat flour is incredibly flavorful.
Type: Annual Grass • Family: Poaceae • Sun: Full Sun • Water: Low to Moderate • Soil pH: 5.5–7.0 • Hardiness: Annual (winter types: Zones 4–7)
Zone 6b/7a Planting Calendar
Indoor Start: N/A • Direct Sow: October (winter types); March (spring einkorn) • Transplant: N/A • Harvest: July–August (when grain is hard and stems are fully dry)
Growing Conditions
Soil: Tolerates poor, acidic soils better than modern wheat. Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile loam. Emmer and spelt tolerate heavier soils than einkorn.
Fertilizer: Light to moderate. These ancient grains evolved in low-fertility conditions and need less input than modern wheat. Compost at planting. Avoid excess nitrogen which causes lodging in tall varieties.
Companions: Clover (underseed for weed suppression and nitrogen), preceding legume cover crop
Avoid: Following modern wheat (disease transition); heavy clay waterlogged soils
Pests & Diseases
Hulled grain resists storage pests. Hessian fly (later planting helps). Rust and smut less severe than on modern wheat due to genetic diversity. Tall varieties outcompete weeds. Birds eat seed at planting.
Heirloom Varieties for WV
Emmer (German) (July–Aug) — T. dicoccum; winter type; 4–5 ft tall; hulled; very hardy; excellent pasta grain
Einkorn (July–Aug) — T. monococcum; spring or winter; 3–4 ft; hulled; highest protein; primitive wheat
Oberkulmer Spelt (July) — T. spelta; winter type; 4–5 ft; hulled; excellent bread grain; true spelt
Zhorov Spelt (July) — Winter spelt; Russian origin; cold-hardy; reliable yield; good bread quality