🌾 Rye: Growing Guide
Rye (Secale cereale) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −10 to 28 °C (14–82 °F) in soil with a pH of 4.5–8.0. Space plants about 5 cm (2 in) apart. Expect 90–120 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Secale cereale |
|---|---|
| Category | Grains |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 5 cm (2 in) |
| Soil pH | 4.5–8.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −10 to 28 °C (14–82 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 90–120 days |
| Sowing depth | 3 cm (1.2 in) |
| Height | 80–150 cm (31–59 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Harvest | ||||||
| Cold / Northern | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Sep · Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Nov.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Jan, Aug · Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Sep · Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Nov.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Hardy, moderate watering.
Growing tips
Hardier than wheat. A perfect cover crop. Dark bread and pumpernickel.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Frequently asked questions
Rye: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: Sep · Plant out: Oct · Harvest: Nov. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Apr · Plant out: May · Harvest: Jun–Jul. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Mar · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
Rye: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Hardy, moderate watering.
Rye: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 5 cm (2 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 3 cm (1.2 in).
Rye: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 90–120 days.
Rye: which plants grow well with it?
Lentil, Oats.
Plan your garden
Add Rye to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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