Secale vavilovii

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Secale vavilovii is a basionym of: Secale cereale L. subsp. vavilovii

Secale vavilovii is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Eroded volcanic slopes, dry gorges, irrigation ditches and as a weed of cultivated land in Turkey.

Europe - Armenia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Seed - cooked. Used as a cereal for making bread, cakes, thickening soups and so on.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species but it should succeed as an annual crop in Britain. It might be possible to sow it as an over-wintering annual. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a well-drained light soil in a sunny position.

Propagating it: Seed - sow March or October in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. cereale vavilovii. (Grossheim.)Mayse.