Sungold is a food grade spelt with excellent baking qualities. Excellent standability and winter survival. Sungold is easily distinguishable from Oberkulmer, Champ, and Maverick as it has medium brown chaff.
Straw is becoming increasingly valuable and spelt provides some of the best straw available. Spelt straw is very fine and extra absorbent as a bedding. Yields of up to 100 bales per acre are common.
The major disease to worry about in spelt is Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus. Plant after the fly free dates to avoid this. It is also susceptible to most diseases that affect wheat. If it is impossible to avoid planting spelt after a small grain or grass, clean tillage is essential.
Soil Adaptation
- Wet – Difficult because wet areas may exacerbate winterkill problems and interfere with harvesting
- Drought – Fair. Productive during fall and spring, which tends to reduce drought risk.
- pH Range –6.0 and above
Cutting Management
Harvest is later than wheat. Cut or graze at flag leaf stage before head has emerged for forage use. Leave a 2-4” residual height. Can be grazed lightly in fall before dormancy, but be sure that crowns are not destroyed.
For grain, it is fully mature when heads “cane” and turn downward.
