Spelt Revival: Ancient Grains in Ohio
Did you know Ohio is the largest producer in the USA of Spelt?
Once overshadowed by modern wheat, oberkulmer spelt and ancient grains are making a bold return to fields, flour mills, and farmers' markets alike. With its nutty flavor, high nutritional value, and low input needs, spelt is now a go-to crop for regenerative and organic growers—especially in the fertile farmland of Ohio.
Among the standouts is our Fusek Oberkulmer Spelt—a traditional European landrace known for its cold tolerance, disease resistance, and exceptional baking quality and flavor profile. Whether you're a seasoned grower or a curious homesteader, Ohio's climate offers the perfect setting to plant this ancient grain.
Why Spelt, and Why Now?
Spelt (Triticum spelta) isn’t a new grain—it’s been cultivated for over 5,000 years. But varieties like the Fusek Oberkulmer varietal are gaining attention for their ability to meet today’s demands for sustainable, nutrient-rich, and heritage-based foods.
Fusek Oberkulmer Spelt is especially well-suited to Ohio’s cool fall planting window and overwintering conditions, offering strong straw, reduced risk of lodging, and consistent yields even in organic systems.
“Fusek spelt has that sweet spot between old-world resilience and modern performance. It’s a workhorse grain with a story.”
When to Plant Spelt in Ohio
In Ohio, spelt is typically fall-planted, just like winter wheat. You’ll want to get it in the ground between mid-September and late October.
Planting in this window gives it time to establish roots before winter and allows for vigorous growth once spring arrives.
The Dirt on Dirt
Start with a soil test. Spelt, including Fusek, performs best in well-drained loamy soils with a pH of 6.0–7.0. It’s less sensitive to low fertility than wheat, but phosphorus and potassium levels should be adequate to support grain development.
Fall is the time to amend your soil if needed, especially for phosphorus, since root growth will be key for overwintering success.
How to Plant Fusek Spelt
Spelt is generally planted in its hulled form, and that hull stays on through harvest—so plan accordingly.
Recommended seeding rates for Fusek:
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100–120 lbs/acre, or up to 150 lbs if broadcast
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Seeding depth: 1.25 to 2 inches
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Row spacing: 7–8 inches ideal for drills
Fusek Oberkulmer is well-known for its vigorous tillering, making it ideal for tighter row spacings in no-till or reduced-input systems.
Fertility: Go Easy
Fusek spelt thrives with minimal nitrogen. In fact, too much nitrogen increases the risk of lodging.
- We use a poultry organic fertilizer
Disease & Weed Management
Thanks to its dense canopy and tall growth, the Fusek oberkulmer spelt helps shade out weeds—a valuable trait for organic growers. It also shows natural resistance to common cereal diseases, including:
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Leaf rust
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Powdery mildew
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Fusarium head blight (with proper rotation and clean seed)
Use crop rotation and certified clean seed to start strong.
Harvesting & Processing
Spelt typically matures in late June to early July, depending on your planting window and weather. Like all spelt, it retains its hull after threshing, which helps protect the grain in storage but requires dehulling before milling or food use.
Once cleaned, Fusek oberkulmer spelt delivers a mild, nutty flavor that bakers and brewers prize — especially for sourdough, pasta, and rustic whole-grain loaves.
“Fuseks Oberkulmer Spelt's gluten profile makes it easier to digest, and the flavor is just unbeatable in artisan breads.”
Is Fusek Spelt Right for You?
If you’re looking for a resilient grain, a clean label ingredient, and a direct connection to ancient agricultural traditions, Fusek spelt checks every box. It’s particularly well-suited to Ohio growers who want to diversify, go organic, or tap into a thriving specialty grain market.
With solid yields, strong straw, and deep roots—literally and figuratively—Fusek Oberkulmer spelt is more than just another cereal crop. It’s a heritage grain with a future.